Since the dawn of the video gaming age, there has been one major typicality that extends across virtually every platform and corresponding games, which is the focus on male players. The typical “gamer” in television shows and movies is, more often than not, portrayed by a guy. However, I am not here to complain or rant about the men of video games, but rather I want to thank and applaud the dominant male community. As a girl myself, I have been treated with nothing but respect and kindness since I was introduced to the scene. I am merely writing this to document my experiences in the social gaming community, where I have yet to meet another local female player.
I have been playing video games for as long as I can remember with my dad, cousins, and uncles. However, apart from some small conversations with friends in high school, I did not branch out into the public with it until I started playing Super Smash Brothers Melee for the Nintendo GameCube. Flashing back to my first tournament, Cusetown Beatdown 5, I was so anxious I almost backed out and went home. I only knew one person going, and the venue was big enough and anticipating around 100. I have never been good at making friends on the spot, so I figured I would spend the tournament stressing more over the people than the game itself.
When I mustered the courage to go in, after an initial couple of stares due to being the only female in the room, everyone continued with their warm-up games. Within only five minutes, three people had come up to me and asked about which game I played and what character I used. Despite being shy and awkward, I felt comfortable around everyone there and was able to make conversation and even play some friendlies. I had only been playing Melee for a short period of time, so I wasn’t anywhere near the skill level I should have been, but each player I met was nothing but supportive and willing to give me tips and tricks to become better at the game. I won zero of the games I played that day, but I made more friends than I had during my entire first semester of college.
During that tournament and the countless more I have attended since, I have yet to recall seeing any other female players. It’s disconcerting to me because I’m sure I can’t be the only one. I can’t say the reasons that these other players don’t branch out into the public community, but I hope upon reading this, more girls, or anyone nervous about entering a competitive scene, can gain the courage to do so. No matter what gender, race or skill level, current members seem to be accepting and encouraging of everyone.
