5. Why your man disappears every September through December. | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Life Stages

What I’ve Learned From Being A Girl Gamer

We are NOT the same as "gamer girls."

664
What I’ve Learned From Being A Girl Gamer
Photo by Nick Woods on Unsplash

First of all yes, being a "girl gamer" is VERY different from being a "gamer girl." Girl gamers actually enjoy playing video games, and will likely put a new release before going out to a party on a Saturday night. Gamer girls on the other hand are online for the attention; they aren't there for the games, but rather the guys that play them. With that being said, studies are beginning to show an increase in women playing online games and although it's common for some areas, I believe it should be normalized everywhere. This is what I've learned from being a female who games online.

1. There is a community out there for everyone. 

Pulling Best Of Week GIF by Cheezburger - Find & Share on GIPHYGiphy

No matter what kind of game or fandom you like, there are people for you to befriend literally everywhere. It is so easy to connect with people and get talking, playing, and hanging out because that's what it is, a community. You'll meet all kinds of people, some you may only talk to once and never again, and others you may form an actual connection with.

2. Most of your real life friends are guys.

Best Friends Dance GIF by Will & Grace - Find & Share on GIPHYGiphy

If you're like me, you discovered that you liked video games at a fairly young age. Growing up (and even now) there weren't many girl friends that I had that willingly wanted to talk about video games with me, and I did not care to talk about the new application of their mother's makeup that they had tried that day with them, so making friends with other females was challenging to say the least. Because of the fact that I was tracking the upcoming drop of a game and the fact that, of course, I wanted to talk about it, I ended up becoming friends with a good amount of guys. Yes, girls and guys can be just friends, but that's a story for another time.

3. There is no such thing as stereotyping.

Drunk Zooey Deschanel GIF by New Girl - Find & Share on GIPHYGiphy

When asked "why do you enjoy playing games?" it never fails that one of my initial thoughts is the people that I've met while online. When you meet people through nothing but a microphone and a mutual favorite video game it's usually a good first impression because you're both just hanging out and meeting each other. Inevitably you will be introduced to someone new and you guys will actually become friends. When you're online, you meet someone for their personality most of the time before you even see what they look like. I've met some of my closest friends through Xbox parties and games, you learn about people over the span of talking for years and I actually met my first online friend earlier this year. I'm not the only one that can say that although these people are miles away, they are some of the closest people to you.

4. Don't join a party of randoms without a little caution.

Frustrated Taylor Swift GIF - Find & Share on GIPHYGiphy

Of course there's a downside. I can speak highly of my online experience because I have been very careful when meeting people, but everyone has their experiences. There is no doubt that there are people online trying to bait others. I've lost friends because of critical character flaws. I've witnessed women try to convince my friends to buy them things. I've had sexist comments and assumptions made about and towards me. Most people when looking for others to play with are open and conversational, but be aware that not everyone is. Being a girl online can have one of two outcomes when you join a random party (chat): outcome one, everyone is normal and you go on with your day and outcome two, there's one member that has an issue for no good reason. We all hope for outcome one.

5. Why your man disappears every September through December.

Video Games On The Phone GIF - Find & Share on GIPHYGiphy

One of the things I actually pride myself on is the fact that I do understand the craze and the love for video games. It's a community full of people with interests similar to your own. September is the season for new games, franchises release their newest continuations of their series, and gamers all over the world can't wait to spend 48+ hours straight on the binge. September through December the ones that purchased preorders and played on day one are grinding away, come December 25th, the "Christmas noobs" get their games and the binge starts all over again. Point is, cut them a little slack, we wait for these games sometimes for years, and all we want to do is play them with our friends.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Lifestyle

5 Benefits Of Learning Different Languages

It's a pain to learn but it's definitely worth it in the end.

116
learning different languages
a2zli

When I was learning how to talk, I was taught both Portuguese and English at the same time. In elementary school, I started taking mandatory Spanish classes, which I did well in because of my knowledge of Portuguese. Then in high school, on top of taking Spanish, I also started taking French. Now, in college, already fluent in English and Portuguese, I'm in the process of becoming fluent in Spanish, and I have a standard high school level understanding of French.

Keep Reading...Show less
disney dinner
Deviantart

I am without a doubt one of those people who refuses to start decorating for Christmas or listen to Christmas music until after Thanksgiving. Unfortunately, Thanksgiving has become an underrated holiday over the years. You barely see any Thanksgiving decorations in stores; it's like they skip right from Halloween to Christmas.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

8 Things To Do To Keep You Occupied During Thanksgiving Break

Nothing says "Thanksgiving break" like never changing into real clothes all day.

106
8 Things To Do To Keep You Occupied During Thanksgiving Break
Becco

Some universities only get two or three days off for Thanksgiving break. Or, if your university is like mine, you get the whole week off go go home. A whole week off is a long time. I'm not complaining, because I'd rather have a whole week off than three days, but there is a lot of down time. Here are some ideas as to what you can do to get the most out of your Thanksgiving break.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

10 Inevitable Stages Of Going Home For Thanksgiving As A College Student

Turns out that Thanksgiving is a lot more complicated when you're in college.

1533
10 Inevitable Stages Of Going Home For Thanksgiving As A College Student
Wikimedia Commons

It's that time of year again- Thanksgiving Break is finally approaching. For college students everywhere, Thanksgiving is a time to relax and not really worry about homework (well, depending on what major you're in). However, going home for Thanksgiving is actually a lot more complicated and stressful than it looks. From traveling, to Thanksgiving in general, the stages of going home can drive students crazy.

Keep Reading...Show less
silhouette of person's hands forming heart
Photo by Mayur Gala on Unsplash

Your relationship doesn´t have to be full of exchanges of lavish gifts. You do not have to go on elaborate dates and try crazy things. While those are great for a relationship, there are much simpler ways to ensure a happy and stable union.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments