The Games Women Play

CEBU, Philippines - It was almost a year ago when comedy website College Humor posted a video sketch about how a male gamer was completely annihilated by seven female equivalents. Apparently, this came as a surprise to him.

With over two million views on Youtube alone, the idea of women playing hardcore video games really seem like an unusual thing, which rings true to a belief held by many. Studies show that this is nothing new, but simply widely more accepted.

Entertainment Software Association reported that 40 percent of the game playing population is female. Also, the percentage of women now playing online has risen to 42 percent, up several percent since 2004.

Molly Soco, a college student at the University of San Carlos - Talamban Campus recalled the first time she went into an internet cafe to play Defense of the Ancients or DotA with her male friends during break time.

"I find DotA very challenging. Plus, the graphics are great. People are somehow shocked that I actually play this. Sometimes, they just flat out don't believe me," quipped Molly.

In recent times, there has been an increasing segment of female players engaged with the aggressive style of games. Take for example, the first-person shooter genre, wherein the player experiences the action through the eyes of a protagonist.

Sales specialist Michelle Perez shared her fascination for the said genre and can even enumerate these games without blinking an eye.

"I love playing games like UFC, Call of Duty Modern Warfare 2: Black Ops, Red Dead Redemption, Fight Night, Crysis 2 and a lot more," she said.

She admitted these games are quite addictive, that sometimes she would forget taking her meals. But she quickly explained that this is due to the acceleration she would feel every time she completes a level and the fact that this keeps her sane whenever she's too stressed.

What she finds more interesting is the interaction she gets when she plays online.

"The reactions I get from guys are usually positive. I'd get flattered most of the time. They even ask for dates or stuff like that but then again, it's not my ulterior motive. I really don't mind them. Perhaps I grew up in a crowd of men, thus I am more inclined to the male thing," Michelle concluded.

Though some women may prefer regular social networking games, Angry Birds or the popular Sims Series, these are still immensely important factors in helping keep the platforms in the gaming business.

So the next time you're certain you're talking to Jacob from Tokyo in an online game, think again. That "dude" who just beat you might just be your best friend's little sister. (Source: theesa.com)