Girls, Unlike Boys, Are Too Busy To Game
Posted by: Annika Harris
Filed in:
news
3:30PM, Monday July 27th 2009
Girls have less leisure time to play digital games than boys, according to a Michigan State University study, the findings of which could shed light on the technology gender gap. The study of 276 undergraduates found that female students spent about 16 hours more per week doing homework, working, or performing other activities than male undergraduates. The findings suggest that girls play video games less because they have more obligatory tasks that take up their free time.
Another reason girls don’t play video games is a lack of interest. Eighty-eight percent of game developers are men, who haven’t been able to create games of interest to girls or women, according to one of the study’s co-authors, who suggests that learning games may appeal to girls’ tendency to multitask; they can spend both leisure and work time playing and learning. However, the researcher warns that learning games in subjects “strongly preferred by males” could have the opposite effect. The researchers say that developers might want to minimize in-game performance pressure to appeal to women. Games should also take less time and provide real world benefits like stress relief, brain exercise, or more quality time with others.
I haven’t been a game fanatic since Super Nintendo and “Street Fighter Turbo” were popular. But last week, I was playing Xbox LIVE at a friend’s and found “1 vs 100 Live,” a trivia game, to be the perfect way to wind down before getting ready for bed. I only needed an hour of play and didn’t feel humiliated when I wasn’t the top scorer. The games that I would find interesting seem to be in line with the researchers’ suggestions, but I wonder how real female gamers feel. What attracts you to a video game? And do you agree with the study?
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CheeeeEEEEse
wrote on July 27 2009 @ 02:43 pm: [report]
Oh come on. This reeks of gender bias, maybe if there were more female game developers there would be more female related content. This speaks to the marketplace, if there was a niche for female-heavy situations in games someone with the entrepreneurial sense would capitalize on it. Till then, please enjoy Barbie Horse Adventures.
*sam*
wrote on July 27 2009 @ 02:55 pm: [report]
I think a lot of the reason why I don’t game as much as my guy friends has to do with the fact that I’m not really into first-person-shooters, which is what is most prevelant. I tend to prefer RPGs and strategy games. (Baulder’s Gate and Eternal Darkness: Sanity’s Requim are two of my faves).
But I will be completely honest and admit that I’m a HUGE nintendo fan, and have, and always will, love Mario Kart—and I still play my Super Nintendo like it just came out yesterday :D I just love how simple and fun games on the Super NES are… I don’t need to worry a/b how to manipulate my character using 20 different buttons… plus, I’m really not that coordinated
Squidtermz
wrote on July 27 2009 @ 03:06 pm: [report]
@Cheeese…. agreed ten fold! I conducted an experiment of my own. Whenever my girlfriend goes to the bathroom to do her make up and whatever else she could be doing. I start playing Fight Night on my xbox. And If I didnt beat the game in a week!!!! Anyways, I also just read a report that wii fit, and nintendogs are up there with Grand Theft Auto in amounts of units pushed. I assure you, these are not the games your boyfriends are playing. So some ladies out there are getting into gaming.
Karmatir
wrote on July 27 2009 @ 07:31 pm: [report]
I am a female gamer. I even play World of Warcraft. But I do prefer different types of games versus those that my boyfriend plays. I’ve always believed its because of my personality more than the fact I am female. I don’t like first person shooter games, never have. I do happen to like games that involve skills and knowledge, but again I don’t think that has anything to do with being female.
Likewise I don’t play as much as guys but there *are* other things that need done in my life, I do not have time to just sit back and play play play. What does any of this have to do with the study? No idea…but in some respects it does mean I seem to be a stereotype without trying.
ahw
wrote on July 28 2009 @ 12:45 am: [report]
I am not a gamer. I just don’t find the idea of sitting still that appealing. I don’t think it has to do with the fact that games are not written by as many female developers as males for me. I am also too busy to game. Between writing, working full-time, and being a student, when would I have time to play games!?
friskyman68
wrote on July 28 2009 @ 07:02 am: [report]
Is it that “they have more obligatory tasks” or that they spend more time doing same tasks (regardless of why)? I really have a hard time believing this article. It stinks of sexism. Maybe its as simple as females are willing to spend more time doing their tasks to get them right and done well where as males rush through it so they can play.
Queen Frostine
wrote on July 28 2009 @ 09:14 am: [report]
I’m out of their age range, being 29. But I am the Guitar Hero GODDESS. Not a single one of my husbands guy friends can beat me. I can sing and play guitar, and I’m working on mastering the drums.
I’ve owned every Nintendo since the advent of the device. I play about two hours on weekdays and about three or four on weekends. I like quest games, like Zelda / Ghostbusters, fighting games, racing games and sim-type stuff like Animal Crossing. I’m good at FPS games, but not really good (although I’m great at the Wii Crossbow / Shooting Gallery games).
Maybe it’s just the age range of the study. I didn’t have a ton of free time in college, but I do now.
manishfusion
wrote on September 6 2009 @ 03:42 pm: [report]
yaa right you are right author girls are too busy in games and they unlike boys
i agree with you and i like your post thanks for it
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