What Guys Don’t Want in Games
Here’s an interesting point of view from grrlgamer.com
Meggan Parker writes about how a girl sees what the typical dude gamer doesn’t want. She writes; “For years gaming sites have been trying to unlock the mystery of the female mind and decide just what it is that would attract girls and women into gaming. As surprising as it may seem, there are very few lists describing what boys and men want in games. We here at GrrlGamer recognize this deficiency in the world of gaming, and we have decided to correct such an oversight.”
More after the jump
WHAT GUYS DON’T WANT IN VIDEO GAMES
- A Map - according to Meggan “Ironically, the first one is what guys don’t want in a video game, and that is a map. Everyone knows real men don’t use maps, so including them in games that are aimed at the male demographic is an insult. In fact, not only should maps be kept out of guy games, but points or other awards should be given to the player for refusing to ask for directions when he inevitably gets lost. The more he wanders aimlessly, trying to find his way, the more points he gets.”
- Directions - this is true inside a game and in real life. What’s with guys and asking for directions? And sadly, guys would rather try things first than find out where or why “even if it means dying repeatedly in the process.”
- Emotions or Romance - “Emotions are such silly things for men. Guys don’t want love or romance in their games, or to actually open up to the other characters. Points or other awards should be given for intentionally avoiding talking about his feelings. An emotional combination would add to the challenge of the male gamer by not only avoiding talking about his feelings, but blowing crap up at the same time.” again, according to the article
- Storylines - “Just give the boys a quick general idea of what they’re supposed to do in the particular mission without breaking rule number nine. “Blowing crap up” is usually the best way to go, but sometimes you can go with “blow crap up and save the princess”. It’s just enough information for them to realize that they should not blow the princess up.”
That’s about it. Do you agree or disagree?
Sound off below.
Photo Credits: wagnerur.hu
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sylv3rblade said
am September 14 2007 @ 9:34 am
That is a so one sided article. They either don’t have a real idea of what a REAL guy gamer is or they’re pulling this up from experience.
Having been an avid gamer for most of my life I think many people will agree with my pokes at it’s points of argument.
Most Team-based FPS require maps to plan out strategies and actions. It’s obvious that it’s violent content gears it towards the male audience. I dare you to play Rainbox 6, Halo, or even Elder Scrolls: Oblivion without using your map.
Not applicable in RPGs.
I’d like to see if there will be an FF game that goes without a good romance story and watch if it will sell. Romance is the most cliched plot hook for any story but that doesn’t meet everyone hates it.
Again not applicable in RPGs. The better ratio of gamers include people who would want to play games for the story, replay value, and fun. That part of the article points
to casual gamers *cough*DOTA players who don’t know crap*cough* who want little else than to kill something.
Tango said
am September 14 2007 @ 10:09 am
I agree with the guy above me. The article sounds feministic.
1) Maps - I like wandering aimlessly towards my goal with directions. It’s no fun wandering aimlessly getting lost. I really like going straight at my goal killing everything in the way. Also, anything remotely military and we take Sun Tzu’s advice, “Know your terrain.”
2) Directions - Clarify that, complex directions. Turn 120 degrees east by south east and that stuff. It’s NESW or FBLR. Turn left at the blown up building and things like that.
3) Emotions - Not really applicable for games with a good story and entertainment value. Every soldier has that girl he left behind. Romance? Romance can lead to sex and sex sells.
4) A good storyline always appeals. Let’s use their mentality first: It’s fun to blow crap up. It’s also more fun to blow crap up for a good reason. A good storyline for the “macho” will add even more sadistic pleasure to blowing crap up.
Me? I’m an avid reader and I like a good story. Why else do I read but for the story…
Anna said
am September 14 2007 @ 10:22 am
Hey backoff on saying that article is feministic! It’s totally not. (It’s just plain crappy!) Some guys may be like that, but not all. Meron din namang mga taong nakakaappreciate ng storyline, lalo na yung mga guys na mahilig sa RPG.
Aminin nalang natin na merong mga lalaki na puro barilan lang ang gusto at wala nang iba pa.
Castigador said
am September 14 2007 @ 10:55 am
Guys, read the whole article sa original site. May disclaimer na sarcastic daw yung buong article. It’s not meant to be taken seriously, ako natawa nga ako.
valfogg said
am September 14 2007 @ 12:04 pm
more like its under the category of brute american males.
these are the stuff that makes american games thrive.
people in america have no patience with rpgs.
which is why rts are the best there.
sylv3rblade said
am September 14 2007 @ 8:42 pm
Oh.. I took the article out of context
hmm.. the last person I know who wrote something and said it was sarcastic got flames, hatmails and the like.
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