More Than Cheese

So... I've been AFK doing a comic

2010-03-16T19:47:00.001+10:30

My apologies for not updating for a while. I probably should have mentioned earlier that I have been preoccupied with producing my own comic. I also have to get a site up and going for it. I'm sure I'll be back on here again soon... ranting about something.

For now... mmmm comic.

R+ Rated Games in Australia - What do you think?

2010-01-11T17:01:00.001+10:30

"The most violent video games around could soon be sold in Australia after the Federal Government said it was considering updating the classification system for games to include an R18+ rating. Unlike films, magazines and other publications, there is no adult classification for games in Australia, so any titles that do not meet the MA15+ standard - such as those with excessive violence or sexual content - are simply banned from sale by the Classification Board."

Asher Moses, Sydney Morning Herold

Gamers across Australia have been petitioning for R rated games to be made available. The issue has recently made it's way back into a politicians in box, and it seems we may end up with the likes of Manhunt on our shelves.

"Claire Bowdler, spokeswoman for the Classification Board, said 18 games had been banned since 2001. Eight of the games had their bans lifted after they were modified and resubmitted."

Asher Moses, Sydney Morning Herold

I think it comes down to the old argument as to whether or not the interactive element of games can encourage violent and delinquent behavior, as opposed to just watching an R rated film. There is also the concern that as graphics improve, video game violence will have more impact on gamers.

"The games industry has long argued that the censorship regime is unnecessarily draconian and prevents adults from making their own decisions as to the type of content they consume. It has called for the classification system to be harmonised across all types of media."

Asher Moses, Sydney Morning Herold

Also, gamers with the know how can still download or purchase these games from overseas. I would rather parents or consumers in general know what the game is actually rated, hence being able to make a decision based on what's available in a store.

What are your thoughts?

NPCs, Moral Alignment and Tasty Pie

2009-12-20T15:37:00.001+10:30

I was playing Half Life 2 the other day, and was tickled pink by how nice some of the post apocalyptic portal people/NPCs (non player characters) are to good old Gordan, and how most are well, trying to shoot my face off as I clamber through various debris. It reminded me of instances in gaming (mostly RPGs) where your moral alignment is based just on "Good Vs Evil" and consequences of your actions are dire .

You find a baby, and you have to make a moral choice i.e. you either have to a) start lactating and nurse the baby as if it were your own or b) eat the baby. Most of the time there is no c) just pat the baby on the head and let it run free, and even then, the consequences of letting the little guy wonder off could be extreme, i.e. the baby grows up and becomes Kaizer Soze.

In many games you can't manipulate an NPC into just giving you a freshly baked pie, no instead you must run around for half an hour collecting apples, because the NPC is a fat, lazy bitch who can't be bothered. So you smile, nod and leave with your stupid pie because you are an XP whore and the new butt monkey of every NPC who has a problem. In Fable (haven't played Fable 2 yet so it may be a bit different) you are at least allowed to tell an NPC to shove their pie down their pie hole, but yet again, there are consequences i.e. you grow demonic horns and become fugly as.

In Vampire the Masquerade, Bloodlines, you could at least manipulate your NPC's, lie, persuade, or threaten your way to the tasty pie. NPC's in bloodlines also react to your charisma and looks department. Which reminds me of just how judgmental NPCs can be. In Fable, and many RPGs your looks coincide with your moral code, which in a way does help the little NPC's think twice before they offer you pie, or in turn just drop the pie and run for their tiny pixelated lives.

If you are a half demon do good'er, your reputation can proceed you. You may look like the spawn of satan, but the NPC instantly knows you're swell guy, he either heard it down the grapevine, or you forgot to take that "I am good" postick off your forehead.

Some games are more dialogue driven, as in you don't have to resort to violence, but even then that is still a moral choice. Planescape Torment (what I managed to play of it before my computer decided not to like it) was interesting because it was more dialogue than action driven, however, from what I have read about the game, I would still eventually have to choose my alignment, or it would work it out for me. Just like in KOTOR, while I was happily keeping my alignment bar at nuetral, I eventually had to choose what side of the force, I wanted to weild my lightsaber for.

What I would like to see is a game (forgive me if it has been done, and I simply haven't played it) is a game where you can be a Dexter. (of course as I'm writing this and mentioning it to my partner, he then informs me that there is indeed a Dexter game coming out). But what I mean is, I want to see more games where you know your alignment, but not every Tom, Dick, or that stupid wench with yummy pie needs to know. Unless you are stupid about it, and go on GTA style rampages, then yes, the NPCs would be able to put on the telly, and know that you are a right bastard.

I know this subject has been mentioned online and in gaming magazines before, but what are your thoughts?

And Then.... AND THEN!

2009-12-04T03:04:00.005+10:30

Anime remakes – its happened before... Astro Boy released three different series, for three different generations. Bubble Gum Crisis was rebooted with Bubble Gum Crisis 2040. Even the long forgotten series Guyver (no not Richard Dean Anderson alas) but, “The Guyver” was able to return and rape our senses once more with visceral 80's cyber punk madness.

Are all anime re-makes really necessary? Are they an improvement, a more relevant edition for new audiences or are they simply a money grabbing exercise?

Most recent remakes that come to mind are;
Hellsing, which was remade with 90% more Nazi and bucket full of extra LOLs.
Full Metal Alchemist which now comes with 95% more chibi action or “mood whiplash” as my partner so delicately puts it, and then there is Eva.
Good old Neon Genesis Evangelion.

A box full of Eva on VHS still sits like the Lost Ark in my Grandmothers' shed. I never bothered buying the numerous editions, or the movies put out on DVD, but now die hard Eva fans everywhere can inform the Rei wall scroll hanging above their numerous Eva collectable figures that a new shiny addition to the family has arrived – Rebuild of Evangelion.

It is indeed shiny, and yes the Angels look very pretty. I was nearly swept up in the orgasmic Gainax inspired tide, but luckily I managed to avoid drowning in the fan girl, drool puddle which had appeared at my feet. It is a wonderful introduction to the original series and feels a lot more accomplished (of course they had time to work on it and the creator was little more sane this time around) than the original series.

However, it also feels like I'm watching a reunion show, where the “characters” are just going through the motions. They dusted off their character suits, zipped them up, and shoved them into a faster paced scenario of similar events. A lot of the psychological aspects which were a staple in first series are somewhere in the dark, at the very back row, sobbing and huddled in a foetal position.

I think there was a large enough gap between the original series and the new OVA's to deem Rebuild an appropriate remake. The OVA's re-introduce Eva to a new generation, although new fans will never be able to step back in time, and experience Eva the way some of us did back when it gripped us nightly on SBS.

Hellsing Ultimate was something I couldn't wait to downlo... see. :P A complete remake and closer to the original manga, Ultimate was everything I thought was missing from the original series.

Don't get me wrong, I loved the original, but Ultimate seemed to make everything, well, better. It has better character development and portrayal, and well, there are Nazis. Can't go wrong with Nazis'. The only thing missing was the soundtrack from the first series, which would have made Ultimate just that extra uber.

Was the re-make really necessary? In my mind... yes. Not simply because it was more true to the manga, but that the production is so much better.

It took me three years to watch all 51 episodes of Full Metal Alchemist. Why? I simply found FMA a bit of a slog to be honest. I have watched a 50 episode series in a few days before, so it was not that I lacked the stamina, I just found some sections of the anime rather tedious.

Before we let the flames begin, I will tell you that I have no desire to sit through the FMA Brotherhood, especially with the rabid chibi's that seem to get more screen time than I believe they should. The chibi Al's and Eds' could always have their own show, Full Metal Panic had a comedic spin off which served as an outlet for all things silly.

FMA did had some memorable anime moments for me, and although Brotherhood is apparently more true to the manga, I think I've honestly had enough FMA for one decade.

Is there an anime remake that you have deemed unnecessary? Or is there an anime you think should be remade?

Anime Generation Gap, or Canyon?

2009-11-02T00:43:00.002+10:30

I consider myself a bit of an Anime veteran. I often have "back in Nam" type moments where I recall the days of having to rely on the limited collection at my local Video shop, when Anime was released on Manga Video, later causing heads to implode in confusion as to whether it was actually Anime, or called "Manga". I remember me, as a young teen, responding violently to the idea that Anime was just a kids cartoon, and hence taking it upon myself to join some grand crusade, (which really only had one patron... me...). I have founded two Anime clubs in my time, and after leaving the second one nearly a year ago, and since attending a recent Anime convention, it finally occurred to me that the crusade ended long ago.

Today I can walk ino JB HI FI and find an actual "Anime" section, let alone heaps of titles to choose from. Young, beautiful teens prance around in Lolita outfits at conventions, average joes come home from work to enjoy a beer and an Anime with mates. DVD rentals are abundant at most of the stores I frequent, I no longer have to dig around in the "Music" section of all places, or wait to watch Evangelion on SBS. I realized that after years of pushing Anime and promoting it as an exciting and alternative medium, its now easily a giant popular sub-culture tree in a valley of Geekdom, its roots spreading happily into other sub-cultures.

So how do I feel about this? Do I cringe when I find young teenagers prattling away in cat-girl speak in a downtown shopping centre? Sometimes. Do I find Yaoi fan girls and slash/fiction writers scary? Definitely. Do I somehow feel displaced and no longer unique? Now that is an interesting question.
Where does this surge of Anime fandom over the last few years leave the generation who once felt that they belonged to a very exclusive group? What happens when geeks find out that there are actually hundreds or thousands of people out there... just like them?

Well I've seen what this has done to some Anime fans. Some reltaliate by calling the "they've sold out" card. A behaviour I detest. Its what long time fans of an underground music group do when they actually become successful, they stop liking them in some kind of protest... thing...

I have seen people stop liking a particular Anime as soon as it hits the big time. Why would someone stop liking something just because everyone else does? Simple. Because they can no longer pull out the "'I'm interesting and unique because I like *insert obscure medium here". I understand the lure of using your geeky interests to "look good" in front of other geeks. If you have ever been shy, or socially inept, obtaining prowess through your knowledge of a particular geek niche can be a fast track to popularity among other geeks. Its closely related to the "I'm popular on the internet" concept.

Today I enjoy Anime, without having it consume my life. Its no longer a personal issue. My desire to inform the ignorant masses was replaced by the sense that what I had wanted all along had finally been achieved.

People from all walks of life and interests were enjoying Anime. It would be hypocritical of my not to accept that reality. I can't shy away from the younger generation who are playing Death Note to death, or walking downtown in Naruto headbands.

I may never be into Anime as much as I was as a teen, but to me, my healthy appreciation of the medium without feeling the need to validate it, is much more enjoyable. When I see the younger Anime generation, I do sometimes feel like I am on the otherside of a grand canyon instead of just a gap. However, if I look at the path around the outside of that canyon, I can see, just how far things have come, and that is definitely something worth smiling about.

Good Game Gets a Shot of Oestrogen

2009-10-29T02:10:00.001+10:30

Junglist (possibly the duller one of the two one-dimensional hosts of Good Game on ABC) has been replaced by a female co-host known as "Hex".

http://www.kotaku.com.au/2009/10/junglist-axed-in-good-game-reshuffle/

I enjoy Good Game immensly, but have often found the hosts to be lacking in personality. I thought the show may have purposley kept them this way in order to reach a wide gamer audience, with out turning the show into some elitist wankfest.

It was interesting to read up about the show on Wiki. Apparently the show was created by Janet Carr. I guess I will have to admit I was a little surprised, and find it to be an interesting tidbit.

I'm hoping Hex will bring a bit of charisma to the show and look forward to watching the next installment of Good Game.

How to make love at a woman...

2009-10-15T17:47:00.013+10:30

Kif, I have made it with a woman. Inform the men. Captain Zapp Brannigan.

Popular media infoms us that Geeks don't really have muh luck with the ladies. The geeky ladies don't seem to be on good terms with lady luck herself either. Shows like "Beauty and the Geek" sensationalise the often awkward mating ritual of socially inept men who dabble in geeky, if not nerdish pursuits.

Is it really that hard for geek men and or women to find a suitable partner?

There are few "problem areas" I have come across while playing the dating game.

I have narrowed a few of these areas down to

- Realistic Expectations

- Honesty and Communication

- Get Over Yourself

Realistic Expectations

I have met geeky men that seem to approach women as though they are the Holy Grail of Rubik's Cubes. Apparently we are either completely unattainable, high on some kind of crazy pedestal, or once you obtain us, completely and mind blowingly difficult to decipher.

I have seen some geeky men, shower women with their undying attention, over the simplest interaction i.e. "OMG a girl actually spoke to me."

We have to look at why the hell, its such a big deal for some people to have the opposite sex interact with them in some way. It may be self-esteem issues, or it may be unrealistic expectations.

I think we have all been guilty of having a romanticized ideal of love. We all have our own crazy journeys to endure in that department, but I have found that having unrealistic expectations for a potential partner often means that we could lose out on forming a sane, durable and fulfilling relationship.

I don't believe that anyone should have to constantly "prove" their feelings for someone else. It should just come naturally, and when it comes to dating, I can't stand the idea of the "chase" and that you apparently have to advance numerous levels just to get anywhere. On my PS2, games that challenge me are fun... in real life... mind games are stupid.

If you like someone, tell them. If you are rejected, work on moving on. If you are accepted don't expect that you will be with them for the rest of your life, just enjoy dating them to see if you both click. Of course, relationships can be more complicated than this, but if you want simple, at least try to keep it that way.

Don't expect them to understand everything about you. None of us are mind readers. Let them know from the word go what you can tolerate, and what you can't. Be honest with each other. People make mistakes, communicate what mistakes you can handle, but don't expect your partner to be this "perfect being".

Honesty and Communication

Its very simple. Be honest... communicate. And again... be honest... and communicate. (This should be a mantra).

Be honest about who you are, and what you want from a relationship. Don't try to impress, but show them your "best".

Don't expect your partner to work out what you are thinking, or whats wrong. If you are afraid to tell your partner how you really feel, why are you dating in the first place? Always work out what you are actually upset about, and then convey it to your partner.

Get Over Yourself

Geeky men sometimes have inferiority complexes. This make communicating with them a bit of a challenge. These geeks tend to have stereotypes of women in their minds. Attractive women don't watch porn and are easily offended, all geek women are ugly and I'm too good for them anyway. That woman doesn't know what she is talking about when it comes to *insert geek related media here*. They just continue to apply their stereotypes, and are often very self-absorbed.

Geek women - some geek women seem easily offended. Yes, sometimes guys make some stupid remarks, maybe insinuating that you are a street walker, but if they are a good friend, it was most likely made in jest.
You are not the last surviving representative of the feminist party. You don't have to be constantly sticking up for womankind. Just because a geek male makes a comment about you being a street walker, doesn't mean he is going to bash you like a whore from GTA4. He is probably just trying to be funny, and because he can get away with saying such things to his male friends, be believes it will work on you. If you are offended, just explain why, and when it would be a better time to make jokes like that, if they are not a friend of yours. Don't even get me started on elitist geek women. They are scary creatures.

Now, I know I haven't mentioned same-sex relationships, but I'm sure a lot of my suggestions could still be put to good use.

I once had a thread about geek relationship advice, it began with:

ARE YOU...

Feeling like you have become a WOW widow, losing your significant other to the land of Azeroth?

Finding that your girlfriend doesn't want you wearing your Naruto headband out in public?

Wanting to wear glow in the dark condoms so you can finally wield your very own light saber?

Then Ardis' Geek Relationship Advice thread is for you!

In reality, the only advice I could ever give is -

Be honest! Don't adhere to stereotypes! Communicate! Have realistic expectations! and finally GET OVER YOURSELF!

Do You Wanna Date My Avatar?

2009-09-28T16:19:00.011+09:30

"I don't know what you are lady. For all I know you could be some fat guy sitting at home with his dick hanging out." Bruce Willis in Surrogates 2009.

The movie Surrogates is like watching a real life "Second Life" but being spared the horror that are Furries. In the near future, over 90% of the worlds population live their day to day lives through a Surrogate, a robot, an idealized version of themselves. You can be anyone, do anything, without fear of death or disease while your body sits snug and safe at home.

With the ever increasing ways in which we interact with each other online, Surrogates gives us a little insight into how our identities can be shaped via technology.

It had me reflecting on game avatars, or even role playing characters in which we are able to play out and enjoy our fantasies. Even Dr Phil decided to rustle his hands around in the "MMORPG's are dangerous" basket, and found a charity case World of Warcraft "abuser" offering him a rehabilitation plan.

But, regardless of what Dr Phil has decided to focus on this week, when you interact with other people online, be it via an avatar or simply MSN, are you really "living" or interacting in a sincere manner? Where does reality end, and the fantasy begin?

Based on my own experiences of MMORPG's, I feel there is a major difference between "playing" and "living" out your fantasies.

I have played World of Warcraft, but never once in my recolection assumed another identity whilst running around with my scantly clad Night Elf. I felt that I was myself, playing with a character of whom I had named. I didn't think of her as a idealised version of myself. WOW was mostly an escape for me, like a book or a movie. It was when "real life" pressures from other people ended up playing out on the plains of Azeroth that I found I could no longer enjoy the game. It took up too much time, and playing with real people always meant that personal issues would pop up in between battles at some point.

Which brings me back to my concept of "playing" versus "living". Even in Live Action Role Play, I have witnessed people imbuing their characters with traces of them, or the idealised version of themselves. Which is no wonder people seem to take it so hard when their "character" is shifted off the games mortal coil.

There is also the phenomenon of people falling in "love" with each other based on their online interactions. Now, I'm not saying it never works out. I think people meeting online, and then meeting in real life can work. However, it depends on how honest your online representation is. If you assumed another identity or an idealised version of yourself while being online, what do you think is going to happen when you meet in real life?

So why do people try to form close relationships via an online means? I believe that sometimes, you can feel safer being something you are not, also in real life, you can't just pretend that your net has gone down, if you don't want to speak to your significant other. Interacting with people can be a struggle for some, social anxiety is almost eliminated online.

In conclusion, I think, the best thing someone can do, is keep reality, and fantasy separate. You can still enjoy going on an epic quests, but moderation and maintaining your true identity is the key. No matter how long you stay in your fantasy, the real world will still be there when you log off.

Please see "The Guild - Do you wanna date my Avatar" as listed in my side bar.

Fail

2009-09-10T01:04:00.006+09:30

Conversations with my house mate "Newagehippieman" (who is Biggles' fiance'), often leads to wonderful hallmark moments like this...

NHM "Ardinal, would you fall in love with a pork chop?"

Me: "Well, no NHM I don't beleive I would, it would probably only end it tears."

NHM "You would eat it right?

Me: Yes.

NHM: "Then tell me why people find Twilight so romantic? Having a non-blood drinking vampire falling in love with a human, is like having a vegetarian want to make love to a cow!"

He loves to poke at peoples beliefs and ideals. I'm writing this because he prompted me to clarify what my blog is about, that I'm in no way trying to lead some kind of revolution, and that I'm simply conveying "my" observations of geek culture.

My definitions of femininity will be different to others, and my opinion of geeks will more often than not be biased (and probably offensive to some). I strive to be objective, but I know I will often be subjective, due to well, having my own mind and not being hooked up to some hive mind, or the Matrix.

I guess, I wish to express my observations of geek culture, based on my perceptions. Discussion is always welcomed.

Hopefully that is enough clarification to appease NHM, and this will be the last time I feel that I should. :P

P.S. My partner is not a Slackjawedmoron... thats just a handle he has online sometimes.

There's a hot girl in the comic shop...

2009-09-09T22:24:00.012+09:30

My favourite local comic book shop re-opened today after a make-over. It looks awesome, and I have found the owner and crew to be very honest, genuine people who are friendly and open to geeks with any level of geekdom.

However, their clientele is another story.

While I was browsing the Manga section, a young lass started talking to who I presumed was someone on her phone. Glancing up, I noticed no phone, nor one of those tiny head sets that make people seem like they are talking to themselves.

No, she was just talking to herself. I could hear her clearly as she convinced herself what she should buy, and agreed with herself on what she thought was cool. I didn't feel embarrassed for her, we all talk to ourselves sometimes (I hope :P). She continued to do so for a good 10 minutes, and then left. I have to admit that I was curious, and honestly, a thought did cross my mind...

"Is that girl a bit lonely?"

Two Alternative chics, with bright coloured hair, piercings and Indy gear were next to drop by the Manga section. They commented on eachothers shoes and were given a DVD of True Blood by a friend at the counter. One looked me up and down and made a strange face, then went back to squeeing about True Blood. Of course, I don't know what the look meant, and I can be a very self-conscious creature at times. However, I was looking smart and dressed for an interview I was to attend after I was done drooling at the new shop.

Maybe I was being glared at for staring at them. (But their hair was so bright, and I like shiny things :P)

The three males I encountered as they were browsing were incredibly skittish. I pardoned myself for walking in front of one, and he almost hit the roof. Another I caught staring at me, and I watched as his eyes shut up shop, and put a "Sorry, we're closed" sign up on their lids.

I was done up, and looking quite nice, due to the interview, but I'm sure I'm not that scary and I don't recall having cleavage visible. Were they just nervous?

I soon went in search of Sushi leaving my partner (who I will refer to as Slackjawedmoron) to take advantage of the re-opening sales.

Upon my return, I sat outside and the shop and did some people watching as I consumed a couple of calamari rolls.

I ended up playing a game. I was on a main street, and I played "spot the neck beard" testing myself to see if I could pick who was going to stop and go into the comic shop.

Unfortunately, I kept winning. Men and women who I knew, just by looking, were walking down the street, and not just passing by, but going to the comic shop.

Why? They all dressed a certain way. Be it that they looked like mum had dressed them, or that they were saving up for another lavish piercing.

Do they dress that way because its what makes them feel comfortable? Do they dress that way due because of their comic book hobbie? Do they even think about it, or is just instinctual?

Why did I presume that the girl who was talking to herself had no friends? Why did I instantly presume those Alternative girls were snobby and shallow? Why didn't Slackjawedmoron buy me something? (Because he's a slack boyfriend thats why. :P)

Did I really look that out of place, or am I just imagining things?

Why do I have these judgmental thoughts about geeks stamped on my frontal lobe in the first place?

Does anyone else actually notice the same observations and was it really fair for me to play "spot the neck beard?"

Well, thats' enough dramatic questions for one night.

P.S. Slackjawedmoron is really a good guy, and buys me lots of lovely comics and manga. :)

If not I just read his. :P

The Haxor Harlot

2009-09-03T00:39:00.034+09:30

Gaming is a male dominated domain.
What exactly is a "Gamer Girl" and have women been able to successfully integrate themselves into gaming culture?

For the purpose of this blog I will be focussing mainly on the Gamer in terms of PC and Video gaming. Read http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gamer for a more informed definition of the term "Gamer".

Level 1: How would you define a Gamer Girl?

I'm a recovering WOW addict. I've been clean for over two years now, although sometimes I have withdrawals. I started using Fable the Lost Chapters like a patch. Maybe soon I'll be off the hard stuff altogether, doing Cake Mania casually.

Wait, fear not for those who suddenly cringed while reading this, Cake Mania just doesn't appeal to me. I enjoy games like Bioshock, and Guitar Hero, and I really want to play Prototype.

Am I a Gamer Girl?

I used to love watching the wonderful bouncy breasts in DOA on Dreamcast.

Am I a Lesbian?

I LOL watching Kratos committing "dei"cide in God Of War, and scoring with the hot babes.

Am I actually a dude?

I do happen to be female (if you haven't already noticed :P), I currently have a wonderful partner who is male (and has Star Wars comics yaaay) and whether or not I am a "Gamer girl" can depend on who you are talking to and how they define a "Gamer".

I like to think of the Gamer girl as being a woman who enjoys playing games and shows an interest in gaming culture. Thats' my definition, so how to members of the gaming community feel about Gamer girls, including the girls themselves?

Level 2: The Casual Gamer VS the Hardcore Gamer

For those who cringed, or rolled their eyes when I mentioned Cake Mania, there is a high possibility that you are one of those gamers, who believe women who are "Casual Gamers" aren't "Gamer Girls."

Yes we have been experiencing a bit of a Zerg Rush of women suddenly picking up a WII remote, but is this really such a bad thing?

Weren't all Gamers "Casual Gamers" in the beginning? Pacman, Sonic the Hedgehog, Killer Instinct. Did we play to show people how leet we really were?
No, I believe we played because we were enjoying a casual medium, like watching movies. Hence there are still casual gamers out there. Even guys can be casual gamers, the ones who occasionally pick up a controller to run around in GTA. And just like movies, we all have our own tastes.

I also don't see a problem with game companies making games to cater for women. It doesn't mean that all women "have" to be casual gamers. Just because some women just play the Sims, shouldn't mean we disregard the women who play Halo.

The problem is Hardcore Gamers, both male and female, who use their elitist attitudes to alienate women from the gaming scene.

Level 3: The LAN party.

Dudes try to encourage more women to come to official LANs.

They sometimes drop the price of entry, bring along more "women friendly games" or try to bring their girlfriends to show a stronger female head count.

This is all well an good guys, but the root of the problem isn't what you are offering. Its the attitudes of the hardcore gamers at your LANs that give us women grief.

You pick up a game. You are a newbie, and other LANNers will pwn you at first, which is a given. A dude tries to reassure you so that you don't run from the LAN screaming.

"Its ok, you did really well for a girl."

You manage to get into your zone, you pull off a head shot.

"Wow, that was awesome for a girl."

You notice the CS "All Girls Team". You wonder why they have to have just an "all girls team" in the first place.

"We actually do really well against the boys, you know, they can be such n00bs."

There are gender boundaries in place from the word go!

If I was able to leave my boobs in the coat room at the door, I may have a chance of being able to just play as a Gamer!

But thats just it... I am seen as a "Gamer girl" and not "just" a Gamer...

To be fair, the distinction is there because a majority of women are not into games beyond being a casual gamer. Yet why do the rest of us who haven't had a sex change have to suffer the wrath of hardcore gamers?

Level 4: The Haxor

If you don't dumpstat your femininity, and play games you are often mistaken for a Haxor by some gamers, or what I like to call...

A HAXOR HARLOT!

You dress well, you can socialize, you wear make-up, you are not offended by the use of the "C" word. You can comment on how sexy a Night Elf looks and you are not offended by violence or porn.

You're not a dude...

You're not a lesbian...

You must be a Haxor Harlot.

Gamer guys tend to be confused by me, wary of me, or intrigued.

Gamer women, the ones who may as well be wearing a Hazard suit to hide the fact that they are a girl tend to shun me or treat me with contempt.

There are the few who don't care, but most have taken the time to get to know me.

The problem is exacerbated when a sexy, insecure, attention seeking actual "Haxor Harlot" comes on the scene. These monsters will look appealing, seem to be a gamer guys dream girl, but are in fact a TRAP! They often just use the guys like an NPC, earn gold, drops and xp, then run off once they are done.

These women, who are sexy and "appear to be into" video games can discredit the rest of us, who like looking nice, are comfortable with looking sexy, and actually enjoy playing Halo.

Final Level: The Final Boss

What it comes down to, is there will always be elitists in any sub-culture who tend to ruin the experience for others in an attempt to validate themselves. There will always be people with insecurity problems, people who are like terrible GMs; they don't like it when the game doesn't go their way. The best thing you can do is ignore them.

A majority of women don't play games beyond Cake Mania, but so what. There are still plenty of us who have played Portal. The pressure to prove ourselves as gamers needs to stop. Girls, you don't "have" to sex it up, or don the Hazard suit... just play games and be yourself.

As for the dudes, not all men who play games judge women based on stereotypes. I just feel like pwning the ones who do.

See "Video Games and the Female Audience" a youtube video linked in my sidebar.

WHAT IS THAT?

2009-09-01T16:57:00.011+09:30

I would like to clarify that I am in no way asking all intelligent or geek orientated women to suddenly become super models.

I just want to convey my perspective on some of the issues I have faced, and the experiences I have had as a feminine geek.

What it boils down to (as a good friend of mine coherently contributed to one of my various neurotic rants) is the question of identity and acceptance.

One of my female friends, (for this exercise I shall refer to her as "Biggles") is the kind of woman you keep in a cabinet on your wall, with "In case of Zombpocolypse, break glass" written on it.

Biggles does not care for make-up, and she is the official household handy man.
Biggles also enjoys baking her own bread, and nurturing a garden that doesn't die. (I had a cactus that I managed to kill some how so this is a an awesome feat to me)

Biggles plays WOW, watches Anime and has awesome role-playing characters that are more often that not imbued with a Texan accent.

The point is... I'm not running up to her and trying to shove eye-make up on her face.

Biggles is Biggles, and does not appear to be strictly defined by her geek related interests. Instead her identity is comprised of many things, including her interests and hobbies.

I'm not here to define what women who have geek related interests should, or shouldn't do.

My problem lies with some of the attitudes, of the people associated with various geek sub-cultures.

And what do I think of sub-cultures? To me they pride themselves on being different, but unfortunately tend to attract loathsome sheep.
If you have formed a strong identity that does not conform to that particular sub-culture, you will more than likely have trouble being accepted.

Here is a little story for you...

Goth girl listens to Lacuna Coil, wears stompy boots and corsets.
Goth girl attracts the attention of other Goths.
Goth girl attends Goth parties.
A Teenybopper arrives at said party and gleefully expresses her love of Lacuna Coil.

What do you think happens?

Why did I make these assumptions about Goths in the first place? Is it really that hard to be taken seriously if you don't completely adhere to the stereotypes that are associated with a sub-culture?

I don't have an exact answer. All I can do is share my experiences with you, and you can make up your own mind.

WHAT AM I?

2009-08-30T19:15:00.001+09:30

"You're too pretty to be a gamer girl."

"You don't look like a geek to me."

"Beeeeewwwbs!!!"

I recently had an epiphany.
That it is possible to be an attractive geek.
I am a woman who indulges in geeky pursuits while retaining her femininity. One might ask what could possibly be wrong with that? Well based on some of my experiences, there is a problem, and the big question is...

"Is it socially acceptable to be an attractive geek?"

Women can't be sexy and intelligent.
Geeks are all socially inept.
You can't write code, watch Anime, and wear the latest fashion.

Yes they are stereotypes, with good reason, however, is anyone actually enforcing these stereotypes? Do women have to lose their feminine side to be taken seriously among other geeks?

Is it really that hard to find a woman who can roll a D20 and own a hair straightener?

I hope to shine a light on some of these issues, like James from Silent Hill.

And with any luck, scary things won't try to eat my face.