Who´s that girl? -women playing in public space By Anna Blomster Odoom Sirada L. Jensen 6 th June 2006

Presentation order Background Interest Our question Research Our hypothesis Findings Result/ conclusion Perspective

Background interest Mid-term presentation: investigation of female gamers in open space As we expected, not that many female gamers in open space. The open space are male dominant environment (space, game, etc.) We were treated differently Female gamers tend not to ask for help, contrary to male.

Our question After the presentation, the new question came to our mind… What is it that makes some women play games in open spaces, without no hesitation (i.e. internet cafés) and do they have any different characteristics compared to the other part of female gamers who stay at home?

Researches Nature: Different brain between 2 genders. (Koster) Nurture: Female belongs to domestic activities, where male usually engage in outdoor activities. (Bryce&Rutter) Division in female gamer: there are two types of female gamer: girl gamer, and grrrl gamer. (Jenkins & Casall)

Our hypothesis ”the female gamers who regularly visit the internet café for gaming purpose are the type of player who belongs to the ’grrrl gamer’ type, with different social upbringing, in which allow them to expose or engage in the activity in the male dominant environment”

Final survey Visit different internet cafés around Copenhagen Face-to-face interview with the female gamers Observe the focus group behavior

Result/ conclusion We cannot fully answer our hypothesis Reason: Lack of female gamer. Out of 15 places we visited, we found 2 girls that played. Visited Boom Town 4 times, found only 1 girl The Fear issue might be true The existing of girl only clan in various games They usually come as a group They play together

Perspectives Through: various literature visiting netcafés visiting websites for women gamers We have learned… Women make negotiations, psychologically and socially There are many hurdles t o get passed Prioritizing domestic responsibilities Nationality, age, race, social status, gender roles matters