I could just write an article about how female gamers are completely ignored by the PC, MAC and console gaming companies, periodicals, and developers. I could sit here and tell you that according to the International Game Developers Association (IGDA) forty-three percent of PC gamers and thirty-five percent of console gamers are female. Of course current products, periodicals, and advertisements would never lead anyone, female or male, to believe that females have a strong presence in the electronic gamming market.
I have three suggestions to female gamers who want to be recognized by the gaming industry, the first thing is to get out there and make your presence known. Second, some of you should consider becoming game developers, and third female gamers need to stop bashing companies that are attempting to bring more females into the wonderful world of electronic gamming.
Making your presence known is far easier than many people think, especially for those on the Internet. Fans have access to all of their favorite gaming industry companies (link to end of article), write to them and let them know! Tell game developers what you like and do not like. Write to your favorite game magazine and tell them about how they should have less sexist advertisements. Let them know your money is an important part of their paychecks, so they better recognize.
Another way to get noticed by the gaming industry is to contact a female gaming site (See the second page of this of this article for a list of such sites), and organize an electronic petition , or an electronic mail campaign and bombard various companies as a united group. Let them know your opinion!
Also, let us not get down only the male-dominated gaming industry, because media aimed at females does not do a good job of promoting female gamers. For instance why is it that a male oriented media product like Maxim can talk about politics, clothes, sex, entertainment and toys? This media product, like many others aimed at males, recognize the diverse interest in males; are our own sisters that ignorant and that insensitive to the diversity of the female population? It is time that females look at themselves, and claim the responsibility for changing the views of the gaming industry, by showing support for female fans as well.
For those of you who are more technologically inclined, and feel letters and petitions are not enough, and that you can increase the female presence, while creating kick ass games, should consider becoming game developers. You could be the person who develops the story for the game, you could be the director, and you could even be the person who obtains the license for the WNBA 2001 game. Do not sell yourself or the industry short in the opportunity department.
So what should you study? Well, unfortunately many colleges do not have a degree in game development, but many offer the courses needed to get into the field. And if you have done the college thing, check out continuing education. Somewhere out there are courses that can get you in the industry.
For the more technologically savvy, those interested in developing the characters, writing the code that gets the game going should study both PC and MAC platforms. Various programming languages like C++ and Sun Microsystems's Java. And just as in any career, it is important to keep abreast industry trends. For instance wireless technology will be the wave of the future, as many gaming companies will be looking to get in on that market, so future developers should know Wireless Application Protocol (WAP). An excellent source for gaming school information is Sensebox.com, here you will find listings of schools on six continents that have the courses you will need to be a game designer.
Those interested in the more right-brain activities, like writing, directing, and music play an important role in game development. What types of courses should you take? Well, your ordinary run of the mill liberal arts, literature, history, to get the creative juices flowing. Then you of course will want to become familiar with the latest technologies.
Then there are business people, who help make sure that everyone gets paid, the games, get to the shelves, and all that cool marketing. There of course is a place for you too. Study your business classes wisely, get familiar with the history of the video game industry, and keep up to date on technology, and most importantly the competition.
Programming, writing, directing, music composing, and other aspects that are involved in game development jobs will not be found in many Help Wanted sections of the paper. Instead those interested in such careers should look to industry specific sources like Gamasutra. Gamasutra is an online zine all about the industry! The site includes industry news, tips for insiders, and jobs. It is a great site and to join is absolutely FREE!
There are many female gamers who absolutely are disgusted by the types of games being marketed to young girls, in particular Barbie. Many girls would never have been introduced to certain career types if not Barbie had not taken the lead, to be an astronaut, a businesswoman, and now the star of her own multi-million dollar gaming empire. Yes, some of the games may seem trivial, and too girlish. But these young gamers are being introduced to the wonderful world of electronic gaming, and perhaps, one day, will be the leader of their own Quake Clan. Instead of bashing, offer suggestions, encourage Mattel's products, it is a symbol to the electronic game industry, that "We girls can do anything-right Barbie?"
Now I employ you push your mouse to the side, put your fingers on the keyboard. Let the electronic gaming industry know that you are out there! If they want to continue with those nice paychecks the "boys club" better wake up and become a "boys and girls club".
For more information on female gaming, including tips, information on the gaming industry, and social factors visit the following sites:
E-Zines for Female Gamers. Includes tips, reviews, and plenty of resources for female gamers.
Comments and questions and articles should be sent to JenniferJ@ybfree.com