Video Games Stereotypes

Video games are often considered to represent and be directed towards a male audience. Including in the terms of market audience, player base, and character representation in game. They also are said to produce communities that are hostile towards females as well. Specifically looking at two well know video games like Call of Duty and Grand Theft Auto. Research showing gender representation in video games often focuses on a few key points of how men and women are depicted differently, Media also helps portray these roles and stereotypes. Games like these can be seen as male-centric, as evidence from gender marketing strategies shows, or specially taking a look while playing this game. As proof you can see how genders are depicted differently

There is the main stereotype that video games are for boys and girls have their own toys. Findings for gender representation in video games generally support past findings in that males are significantly more represented than females (Williams et al., 2009; Robinson et al., 2008; Miller & Summers, 2007; Burgess et al., 2007; Ivory, 2006). Much of the media and game designs promote the stereotype that video games is for boys. Burgess et al. (2007) found that “males were twice as likely to appear on covers as females were” (p. 423). Many other articles research show even how characters in the video games are stereotyped. Girl characters are tiny and sexualized, and weak or subordinate to men, while male characters are manly men and heroes. Ewan Kirkland points out in his article (“Masculinity in Video Games: The Gendered Gameplay of Silent Hill,) “one can immediately see that, predominately, male characters in video games are depicted as muscular, heroic, athletic, and defined by their machismo.” Not only does this set stereotypes on how boys need to be, but also roles men play compared to women in society. Male characters are typically violent and their objective is to kill. These characters are portrayed as strong, muscular, and usually with facial hair. While female characters are portrayed as cunning, slim, and “perfect”. This gives out not only stereotypes, but unrealistic expectation to players in the real world. Which can be harmful to their gender views but also