Yesterday we discussed the roles and portrayals of female characters in video games, which are often clichéd and unrealistic. Today, we will delve into a discussion about the effect which hyper-ideal portrayals have on the body image of female gamers, along with the way in which women gamers and game developers are treated.
There is a great deal of research which explores the negative effect that viewing thin female models has on women’s body satisfaction, body esteem, and self-esteem [1]. Even when viewers have knowledge that an image is digitally manipulated, the desire to look like the model is not affected [2]. Similarly, research into the effect games have on self-image has indicated that, at least in the short term, playing video games which emphasize the female body have a negative influence on the body image of female players, especially when high levels of photorealism allow greater immersion into the virtual world [3]. While this post focuses on women, it must be recognized that the portrayal of hyper-masculine men also has a negative effect on the body esteem and body satisfaction of males who play those games [4].
The GamerGate controversy is an observable manifestation of how women are treated within the gaming industry. GamerGate started when game developer, Zoe Quinn, was harassed for the release of an interactive game that was not well received by all. Shortly after, Quinn’s ex-boyfriend published a post detailing parts of their relationship, and alleged that Quinn used her relationship with another man to get a good review of her game. Quinn then became the subject of harassment and death threats, followed by the harassment of other women in the industry. Anita Sarkeesian, a feminist who investigates sexist stereotypes in video games, and Brianna Wu, a video game developer, were also the subject of harassment, invasions of privacy, and death threats. Although these examples are extreme, women who work within the gaming field “remain a small minority and report hostile experiences when working in the industry” [5]. Males generally hold more power over females in the gaming industry, since they are over-represented, paid more on average, and their opinions are not dismissed on account of their sex [6]. This power imbalance can lead to continued inequalities and hostility.
Even for those who do not work within the industry, hostility or harassment in ordinary game play is frequently experienced by female gamers. Women are generally considered casual gamers in social communities like Farmville, whereas the hardcore gaming communities are traditionally associated with male players [7]. Yet, regardless of the game type, women may experience (and often come to expect) different forms of harassment or online bullying. For example, the website “Fat, Ugly or Slutty” is specifically dedicated to providing examples of how women are messaged while gaming, across a variety of platforms [8]. Salter explains that “female gamers, by their very participation within the public of gaming, act to transgress their traditionally coded roles and interests. The perceived transgressions are met with hostility from those invested in the hyper-masculine identity and its dominance of the space” [9]. While these acts may be deemed as ‘trolling’ and a normal part of game play regardless of gender, the imbalance of power within the gaming community leads to symbolic violence – which is the trivialization or condemnation of sexual minorities.
The negative effect of hyper-ideal and stereotypical portrayals of women in video games extends to both men and women, in realms beyond just the virtual world. Women’s participation in the gaming industry, whether it be as an occupation or for entertainment, is frequently marred by harassment, online bullying, and general disparaging comments. However, just as the inaccurate portrayals of women can be altered in response to social objections, bullying can be prevented by the condemnation of hostile or inappropriate comments. The GamerGate controversy brought the issue to the attention of gamers and non-gamers alike, and there are already positive trends stemming from the discussion [10]. The cultural change in the gaming community is slow and incremental, like the suffrage movement, and in order for everyone to enjoy it equally the virtual world must fix its lag issues.
[1] Christopher Balett & Richard Harris, “The Impact of Body Emphasizing Video Games on Body Image Concerns in Men and Women”, (2008) 59 Sex Roles 586-601 at 588 [Barlett]
[2] Nicole Martins, Dmitri Williams, Kristen Harrison, & Rabindra Ratan. “A Content Analysis of Female Body Imagery in Video Games”, (2009) 61 Sex Roles 824-836 at 832
[3] Barlett, at 586
[4] Barlett, at 588
[5] Anastasia Salter & Bridget Blodgett, “Hypermasculinity & Dickwolves: The Contentions Role of Women in the New Gaming Public”, (2012) 53:3 Journal of Broadcasting & Electronic Media 401-416 at 403 [Salter]
[6] Sian Tomkinson & Tauel Harper, “The Position of Women in Video Game Culture: Perez and Day’s Twitter Incident”, (2015) 29:4 Journal of Media and Cultural Studies 617-634 at 627
[7] Salter, at 403
[8] Fat, Ugly or Slutty, online: <http://fatuglyorslutty.com/>
[9] Salter, at 413
[10] Betsy Isaacson, “#1ReaonsWhy Reveals Sexism Rampant in the Gaming Industry”, ( 30 Jan 2013) online: <http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/11/29/1reasonwhy-reveals-sexism-gaming-industry_n_2205204.html>
