The number of female gamers playing consoles has increased "significantly" year on year, an NPD survey has found.
According to the survey, the percentage of female console players grew from 23 to 28 percent in the last year, as rise that can be mainly attributed to (surprise, surprise) the Wii, which itself saw a 19 percent increase in usage over last year, says NPD.
In the handheld market too the audience defined as "heavy" users has seen its percentage of female players rise four percent. We've got no research to support it, but we put this one down to (surprise, surprise) the Nintendo DS.
There's more: the portion of the game-playing audience defined as "extreme" gamers -- those who play an average of 39 hours per week -- also saw its female population rise four percent. We wonder what their Wii Fit age is?
"Last year was one of the most transformative in history in terms of defining the audience for gaming," said NPD analyst Anita Frazier. "Even with the increased competition from mobile and social network gaming, the console gamer segment added the most new participants to its ranks in the last year."
We don't know about you lot, but we haven't heard many female voices on Xbox Live in the last 12 months. They must be masking them.
How do you know if your woman is cheating on you? Go sleep with the local harpy and then give your wife an STD. If she comes an kicks your ass then she probably isn't. If not then she is probably out with the milkman. Women
I'm with CVG, if there all these girl gamers out there, how come i've never come across any playing CoD or Halo on Live?! All the girls i know only want to play Wii Fit(Which isn't even a game IMO) because Nintendo told them to. You've gotta hand it to Nintendo on that front tho, give Wii's and DS's to Girls Aloud, put them in an advert and then watch the cash roll in!
also saw its female population rise four percent. We wonder what their Wii Fit age is?
I doubt anyone is spending that much time on Wii Fit. My guess is MMORPG's such as WoW are where the so called extreme female gamers are. I know quite a few myself that play WoW.
I've never heard a female voice while playing Forza 2. Have played with a few in Modern Warfare. And it has to be said have met the nastiest gaming bitch ever there too! The first person shooter that seems to attract the most females is Left4Dead.
I always assume the gamers who don't have microphones plugged in (on Xbox Live, of course, where everyone has one, this doesn't apply to Playstation), are either: 1. Foreign and don't speak English, 2. Young, and the parents won't let them speak to the riff raff online, 3. Utterly uncharismatic, and can't speak to anyone, or 4. Female, and are sick of those desperately sad, utterly inexperienced, and embarrassingly flirty young male gamers, who often seem to accompany a female voice online.
In a Left4Dead game one day I experienced the saddest of the sad. I was in a game with two women, one young, one mature. Mr Sad, forget his name, joined. The two women were speaking and Sadman perked up "Am I in a game with only girls?" he asked. "No" I said. He then enquired as to the relationship between us. When he realised I was just a friend of the two, and not related or connected, that was his signal to turn on the slime... sorry, charm! He then spent the next half an hour flirting, and everytime he 'saved' one of the women he said "I'll look after you" or "I'll save you". Most of his attention was aimed at the younger of the two female gamers who had the more girly online name. Eventually the younger one left and the older one put her son on. Mr Sad completely changed his tune. I think I may have on an occasion or two said "are you going to save me?" to which he didn't reply at all. The woman's son, who may have also heard some of Saddo Jacko's flirting didn't get along with him at all. Eventually we kicked him out of the game.
On another occasion a guy really full of himself joined a military shooter game myself and a female friend were playing. We were chatting as usual, and as soon as this guy, I'd imagined to be a real caveman by his conversation, heard the female voice, that was it. He went into chat-up/show-off mode! Boasting about his physique and desperately trying to impress the female gamer.
It's been a similar story over all the years I've been playing on Live. The only exception has been meeting a husband/wife team, when strangely the young male gamers don't flirt with a husband about.
So if you're one of the desperate-for-female-attention types, we can probably thank you for female gamers often keeping their microphones off. Who could blame them. The few I've met in first person shooters have actually been good gamers. They don't have so much a need to prove themselves, and in co-op have proved more useful to have around than an overly-confident young male, who's idea of tatic and teamwork is to attempt to get the highest kill rate!!!
i've heard quite a few girls on Left for Dead and Gears 2, i also know loads of girls that love fable 2. My missus included. Probably don't see them on COD because there community is mostly made up of obnoxious teens and blokes that failed the exam to get into the forces.
Dunno why you're complaining about girls playing on the wii watching girls play warioware is a thing of beauty.
I'm a female gamer and have been since 2004. I absolutely HATE the Wii so not all females like the silly games Nintendo like to release.
I love GTA games and am a massive fan of survival horrors...Blood, Gore and plain old shooting a bunch of people doesn't bother me.
I think female gamers don't play on XBox live as much as men because we aren't as competitive with it. Personally I don't care if I can beat someone else or not, I just want to beat the game full stop.
Apart from the one female in my particular group of gamers, they are few and far between in my experience. However judging by some of the truly pathetic and childish behaviour I have witnessed by some people on Xbox live towards women, I should imagine they generally keep their headsets on mute or don't bother to use them at all.
nothing quite compares to the utter sadness of marriages in FFXI. while i liked the game that one was aspect i could never get on with. I think that is taking the p**s to have a virtual wedding with someone who is probably of the same sex as you. male behaviour toward women in mmo's in general is pretty anus clenchingly gay. each to their own but some s**t i seen was tragic. you know who you are
females have played games for years this is nothing new ffs, i play ps3 and 360 mostly, like my wii too, i play lots of cod 4 online and talk on it loads as im friends with alot of guys plus i get on better with them then girls, have had the odd prat but nothing to cry about as i send em packin
games like the sims, ff im not big on at all, but i do find the whole girls are abused online stuff blown out of proportion, sure it happens just not as bad as they make it out too be, alot of girls dish it out aswell against boys yet why isint that addressed? double standard if you ask me, specially wen certain types of women are involved
I'm a female gamer and have been since 2004. I absolutely HATE the Wii so not all females like the silly games Nintendo like to release.
I love GTA games and am a massive fan of survival horrors...Blood, Gore and plain old shooting a bunch of people doesn't bother me.
I think female gamers don't play on XBox live as much as men because we aren't as competitive with it. Personally I don't care if I can beat someone else or not, I just want to beat the game full stop.
Off topic, but I used to go to school with a Jade Hill. She was the daughter of Slades Dave Hill, the guitarist
I think female gamers don't play on XBox live as much as men because we aren't as competitive with it.
speak for youself, theres plenty of girls who play on xbox live and are very good at games like cod 4 etc
but how can you play CoD4 when you got all that ironing to do?
i only iron for my self, men who expect the woman to iron are lazy fat fcuking oafs who usualy get cheated on eventualy cos thier incapible of doing anything for thier self
I think female gamers don't play on XBox live as much as men because we aren't as competitive with it.
speak for youself, theres plenty of girls who play on xbox live and are very good at games like cod 4 etc
but how can you play CoD4 when you got all that ironing to do?
That's disgusting. I thought this country had finally grown out of sexism, but then people like you have lower yourself to that level and do the gaming community absolutely no favours in the process. If I were you I'd expect a massive backlash from the large number of female gamers, just as soon as they've hung the washing out.
I know a girl gamer! She is pretty awesome too. Anyway just to raise the point of why we do not seem to notice them much. I think because they feel that if people know that you were playing with a girl all of a sudden they get odd reactions by players. Such as all of a sudden being nice to them, flirting etc or being shunned. It is all rubbish really, they are just like us guy gamers but I think the rarity of meeting a girl gamer is always something we probably will not get used to much.
I think female gamers don't play on XBox live as much as men because we aren't as competitive with it.
speak for youself, theres plenty of girls who play on xbox live and are very good at games like cod 4 etc
but how can you play CoD4 when you got all that ironing to do?
That's disgusting. I thought this country had finally grown out of sexism, but then people like you have lower yourself to that level and do the gaming community absolutely no favours in the process. If I were you I'd expect a massive backlash from the large number of female gamers, just as soon as they've hung the washing out.
Oh for christ sakes, you could tell it was a joke, albeit one with poor taste, but still!
Ok, maybe this is just me, but I usually find all the gilr gamers online (with headsets atleast) are above average, but are never the best, I wonder why that is.
speak for youself, theres plenty of girls who play on xbox live and are very good at games like cod 4 etc
but how can you play CoD4 when you got all that ironing to do?
That's disgusting. I thought this country had finally grown out of sexism, but then people like you have lower yourself to that level and do the gaming community absolutely no favours in the process. If I were you I'd expect a massive backlash from the large number of female gamers, just as soon as they've hung the washing out.
Good hand eye co-ordination from all the hoovering/polishing/sewing/extra driving lessons etc. My woman is awesome on mario and sonic because most of the hand movements she has learned before cooking my f**king dinner
I've come across a few female gamers on COD4 and most have been annoying. Either their name is 'miss sexy legs' or something pretty much begging for attention from all the boys on there by highlighting they are female and implying they are sexy. I've even seen one who was constantly nattering on her headset whilst talking to someone off game about how fit Angelina Jolie is and stuff like that.
I've come across a few female gamers on COD4 and most have been annoying. Either their name is 'miss sexy legs' or something pretty much begging for attention from all the boys on there by highlighting they are female and implying they are sexy. I've even seen one who was constantly nattering on her headset whilst talking to someone off game about how fit Angelina Jolie is and stuff like that.
i agree with all yout said, alot of them are attention seekers then wen they do get attention they start with thier woe is me bulls**t, she was prob talkin about jolie to get lots of attention from guys, usualy thirsty guys on xbl like that kinda thing
Ok, maybe this is just me, but I usually find all the girl gamers online (with headsets at least) are above average, but are never the best, I wonder why that is.
Unbelievable that you need this explained. I assume it's just another attempt to be sexist. And it's not true that they're never the best. The nastiest female gamer I've met, during a Modern Warfare game was probably better than anyone in the server (although her attitude and personality witheld me and probably anyone else in the game from suggesting such a thing). And in the days before Xbox when I used to play on a computer, one of the best gamers, in one particular mod, was a young woman. She was absolutely amazing - fast reactions, accurate with smart tatics, and a level headed attitude. I'm going to generalise here, but from what I've noticed about the majority of female gamers, in FPS at least, is they're not out to prove themselves, but they're not cowardly either. They don't suffer from over-confidence like you see in a lot of male gamers.
Ok, maybe this is just me, but I usually find all the girl gamers online (with headsets at least) are above average, but are never the best, I wonder why that is.
Unbelievable that you need this explained. I assume it's just another attempt to be sexist. And it's not true that they're never the best. The nastiest female gamer I've met, during a Modern Warfare game was probably better than anyone in the server (although her attitude and personality witheld me and probably anyone else in the game from suggesting such a thing). And in the days before Xbox when I used to play on a computer, one of the best gamers, in one particular mod, was a young woman. She was absolutely amazing - fast reactions, accurate with smart tatics, and a level headed attitude. I'm going to generalise here, but from what I've noticed about the majority of female gamers, in FPS at least, is they're not out to prove themselves, but they're not cowardly either. They don't suffer from over-confidence like you see in a lot of male gamers.
In what sense could you read my post and think that was an attempt to be sexist? It's a compliment! I've just never seen a female gamer and been 'wowed' by their performance, not that its that important, I was just stating.
The level headedness probably does help a lot, however, sometimes I've found my passion has helped me do better in games.
Ok, maybe this is just me, but I usually find all the girl gamers online (with headsets at least) are above average, but are never the best, I wonder why that is.
Unbelievable that you need this explained. I assume it's just another attempt to be sexist. And it's not true that they're never the best. The nastiest female gamer I've met, during a Modern Warfare game was probably better than anyone in the server (although her attitude and personality witheld me and probably anyone else in the game from suggesting such a thing). And in the days before Xbox when I used to play on a computer, one of the best gamers, in one particular mod, was a young woman. She was absolutely amazing - fast reactions, accurate with smart tatics, and a level headed attitude. I'm going to generalise here, but from what I've noticed about the majority of female gamers, in FPS at least, is they're not out to prove themselves, but they're not cowardly either. They don't suffer from over-confidence like you see in a lot of male gamers.
I'd say that's pretty much bang-on.
My GF is pretty good at games, she's been playing since the days of the PS1 and the Dreamcast. Yes, she owns a Wii, but she really likes games like Mario-Kart over stuff like Wii Fit (she's also bloody good at it too).
I think that girls tend to be less obsessive with things in general - so, they're less likely to play for the sheer amount of hours that the average guy would.
Iwill, the comment seemed sexist in that you suggested, female gamers are ok, but never the best. Seeing as how few we meet, it's clearly down to the fact male gamers outnumber female by a considerable amount. If the tables were turned we'd find the top gamers, and of course the worst, in any one server were female. When say one in fifty, or one in a hundred gamers (in reference to first person shooters at least), it's obviously more likely a guy is the 'best' in a server. But to dismiss them as being ok, but not the best is as bad as saying black guys are ok at shooting games, but they're not the best. I doubt anyone would dare make such a comment.
As it happens I think the whole article and survey is sexist. Aren't we seeing more gamers from both sexes, from all countries, of all races increase over time. Why doesn't the survey or article not tell us how many more asian or black or gay gamers are taking up games. Or would that actually risk sounding a little racist or homophobic! Strange that it's ok to single out women, as one big demographic. I guess we can thank religion and it's poisoness attitudes that are still deeply routed in today's societies!
I know a few chick gamers... ive got a few on my list that play cod4, one of them ive known since RSV and she was in my old clan, if you know her she was Ladysharpshooter, she was no.2 in the world are Rainbow. but there are quite a few out there... not just on Wii and stuff.. byut hardcore games to, just gotta come across em thats all lol
still only know 2 of these rare and interesting creatures and 1 of them is actually good (had my ass handed to me in gta 4 and burnout a few times). Theres many more that i have interacted with online only on cod4 but they all pretty much suck and theres no way in knowing if they are actually hot or not so they shouldnt count right?
btw im loving some of these jokes but to all those humorless losers who are crying abt it just suck it up and go make me a damn sandwich!
Theres plenty of female gamers about. I seen a few playing free mode in gta iv or rainbow 6 vegas 2 in hunt the terrorist mode.
On the pc I met quite a few female freinds on the popular gta san andreas mod sa-mp (san andreas multiplayer) and I occasionly play with them on left4dead
I think the reason why you probably do see them as much is they are more casual gamers than hardcore and as such wont play for long periods at a time.
I'd prefer to play with a female gamer than a male gamer though as male gamers tend to get a bit sore and tetchy when you beat them in a multiplayer game and male gamers are the worst for teamkilling too.
I'd prefer to play with a female gamer than a male gamer though as male gamers tend to get a bit sore and tetchy when you beat them in a multiplayer game and male gamers are the worst for teamkilling too.
I think female gamers don't play on XBox live as much as men because we aren't as competitive with it.
speak for youself, theres plenty of girls who play on xbox live and are very good at games like cod 4 etc
but how can you play CoD4 when you got all that ironing to do?
lmao! Ahhh! I just laughed out loud at work and shared your comment with a female colleague. We both laughed.
On a more serious note, I think it's positive to see more females enjoying games of their choice - be it "My Little Pony" games to "CoD 4" games. I have an ex-gf who likes playing computer games and is quite good at Counter-Strike: Source. She has received a lot of verbal harrassment from immature kids online, but she gave as good as she got and besides, after a while a number of the guys started sticking up for her. It's all about making a personal connection. If you see the other person as just some random name on a screen it's easy to be abusive and lack compassion.
I think female gamers don't play on XBox live as much as men because we aren't as competitive with it.
speak for youself, theres plenty of girls who play on xbox live and are very good at games like cod 4 etc
but how can you play CoD4 when you got all that ironing to do?
That's disgusting. I thought this country had finally grown out of sexism, but then people like you have lower yourself to that level and do the gaming community absolutely no favours in the process. If I were you I'd expect a massive backlash from the large number of female gamers, just as soon as they've hung the washing out.
I missed your closing comment until I did a second read through.
Iwill, the comment seemed sexist in that you suggested, female gamers are ok, but never the best. Seeing as how few we meet, it's clearly down to the fact male gamers outnumber female by a considerable amount. If the tables were turned we'd find the top gamers, and of course the worst, in any one server were female. When say one in fifty, or one in a hundred gamers (in reference to first person shooters at least), it's obviously more likely a guy is the 'best' in a server. But to dismiss them as being ok, but not the best is as bad as saying black guys are ok at shooting games, but they're not the best. I doubt anyone would dare make such a comment.
As it happens I think the whole article and survey is sexist. Aren't we seeing more gamers from both sexes, from all countries, of all races increase over time. Why doesn't the survey or article not tell us how many more asian or black or gay gamers are taking up games. Or would that actually risk sounding a little racist or homophobic! Strange that it's ok to single out women, as one big demographic. I guess we can thank religion and it's poisoness attitudes that are still deeply routed in today's societies!
Perhaps because a different gender is immediately more noticeable. Personally I could care less what amount of players are gay, white, black, etc. although I wouldn't mind reading the stats in a throw away newspaper while on the toilet.
I'd prefer to play with a female gamer than a male gamer though as male gamers tend to get a bit sore and tetchy when you beat them in a multiplayer game and male gamers are the worst for teamkilling too.
Off topic: There are few things I find more satisfying in the heat of the moment than putting a bullet in the head of the maggot that just TK'ed me, or tried to, the round before. I'm against it but if someone starts that crap intentionally then they deserve the incoming firestorm, IMO.
blueblade, you might want to watch that sexist mouth of yours--people might get the impression that you're an uneducated asshole who lives in his parents' basement and spends a lot of quality time with his right hand.
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