Interview with a gaming enthusiasts

I interviewed my cousin Callista Tieu. She is a current student at the Art Institute of California, San Diego majoring in video game art and design. She will intern for either Sony Online Entertainment, Blizzard, or Rockstar. To summarize the vibe coming off cousins reaction and responses, the gaming industry still stereotype female gamers. However it is perceived that the advanced female gamers are much respected and have a camaraderie amongst the other male gamers. Funny to mention, when I was nearing the end of our interview, she asked me whether I took this off of Sony Online Entertainment. Apparently, the video gaming industry is just as intrigued about female gamers as much as we are.

Why do you play videogames?

They’re entertaining and can be fun with friends

Why do you want to become a video game developer?

The industry is growing and can also branch off in other directions such as the movie industry

How would you rate yourself as a gamer (amateur, intermediate, expert)?

Intermediate - expert

What are your favorite games to play?

First person shooters

What about these games do you like? What makes you want to play certain types of genres of videogames as opposed to others?

It’s a guy’s type of game. So playing in their environment is a bit of a challenge, but none the less fun.

Do you think there’s a huge difference in playing skills between girls and guys?

Yes

If you do think there’s a huge difference, why do you think that is?

As much as I’d hate to admit, from experience the majority of girls and guys have different focus’ in game. They share different perspectives and different motives.

Do you take female videogamers seriously?

Only some

Do you think female characters in video games are sexualized?

Yes

If you do, does that bother you? What aspects of it bothers you?

It doesn’t bother me. I’m use to it, but I can see why it would bother others. Girls in video games are stereotyped by weapons given to them, or their clothing and it would be ok. While guys can carry macho weapons and that would be some how realistic.

Do you think male videogamers care that the female characters are sexualized in nature?

Probably not

Do you think sexualizing the female characters helps sell videogames?

It does

Do you want to play games that have sexualized female characters?

I’m more concerned about the game itself and not the why characters are portrayed

What do you think this tells videogame players?

That’s not your average girl gamer?

What would you like to see in a female character? What is your ideal picture?

More options. More skin models, wider range of weaponry, better voice acting.