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Women. They’re the reason we’re here. Literally. They’re also incredibly good to look at, so they’re probably the reason you’re here on this site. Mysterious, complex and enigmatic creatures they are, and they often make the best company.

I’ve observed the two women I live with (one of whom is my other half) play games for about the last 2 years now and have constantly been surprised at their bloodthirst and enthusiasm. I say ‘surprised’ because, when I started gaming about 16 years ago, there was a bevvy of women gamers. My elder sister and her friends were the recipients of a shiny Atari 2600 one year that started my love of all things game. Then, when the CD and 3D age dawned, it seemed to me that the female of the species’ interest dropped off, as games got marketed and designed more and more for “boys”, and suddenly became a taboo subject during parties, social gatherings and carnal persuits.

I wanted to do a little digging, and get the take on what just a small fraction of what female gamers thought of present day pew-pewing. So, my glorious Editor-in-chief and I recently asked some of our female gaming friends to answer a few questions for us, and give us their unique point of view. We spoke to Shoequeen, Lyno_Irl, Martine, Linda, Sammy and our own writer Double Trouble about what gets their gaming buzz going, and to shed some light on what it feels like to be a girl in the current gaming climate. Their answers were passionately voiced and some, to me at least, genuinely surprising.

How often do you play videogames?

I wonder if this controller is wireless...?

Shoequeen: I play most evenings after my husband gets home. We take it in turns at playing but I do have my own gamer tag too. I do occasionaly play in the day time to relieve frustration if something annoys me, but not often.

Lyno_Irl: Everyday, if I can.

Martine: Most days.

Double Trouble: If I am speaking to somebody who is not a ‘gamer’ I would usually say twice a week, but if I am being totally honest I play nearly every day.

Sammy: Not very often, although with Little Big Planet and Modern Warfare I took over the telly! If there is a game I like I can play for hours and lose track of time.

Something for the lady?

Do you consider yourself a “gamer”?

Shoequeen: I don’t think of myself as a gamer, but I suppose I am really.

Lyno_Irl: No, because I think a gamer plays all different types of games and has a better knowledge of them. I tend to stick to the same type all the time.

Martine: Yes

Double Trouble: I am a ‘gamer’! I play video games just as well as any man, and better than some so why shouldn’t I be classed as a gamer!?

Linda: Yes, it is one of my main hobbies.

Sammy: Not a proper gamer, as only very few games interest me enough to play them.

Does gore or violence in a videogame put you off?

Gaming is warm business

Lyno Irl: Doesn’t put me off at all. If you buy an 18 cert game, you know what you’re getting. If you’re shooting the shit out of someone and there’s no blood you would be disappointed. I like the game to be as realistic as possible, anyway a lot of games give you the option to turn off the gore so the player has the choice, I personally keep it on

Martine: No.

Double Trouble: It doesn’t put me off – The more the better! I am not your typical girly girl. I love horror films and thrillers.

Sammy: Occasionally it will put me off but this only because I get too scared to play them alone. Even Batman: Arkham Asylum scared me! I’m currently playing Bioshock and its creeping me out but i’m really enjoying it.

Linda: No, it’s part of the fun.