GDC Slide Deck - Rosalind Wiseman

Who did we hear from?
Who did we hear from?
Who did we hear from?
Have you been a target?
Girls, What Games Do You
Play?
Boys, do you want to see
more girls playing?
Middle School
High School
Boys, What Games Do You
THINK Girls Play?
Are You More Likely to Play a Game
Based on the Protag’s Gender?
Boys
Girls
What Gender Do You Prefer Playing
As?
MS Boys
HS Boys
What Gender Do You Prefer Playing
As?
MS Girls
HS Girls
Are Females Too Often Treated as
Sex Objects?
MS Boys
HS Boys
Are Females Too Often Treated as
Sex Objects?
MS Girls
HS Girls
Girls are what?
Girls, do you identify as a
Gamer?
Not Gamer Girls
43% showed interest of 5 or greater
23% played for +4hrs in last week
38% played between 1-3hrs
Who’s Your Favorite Character?
“I like the Luteces' from BioShock Infinite because they are a male/female twin, but they have the
same intelligence. The female is portrayed as smarter and more strategic in her thinking. The male
twin is not above her and they are portrayed as equals because they are equal, not because the
designers thought that there needed to be a female character.”
“Sylvanas Windrunner from WoW. She's a woman in a position of power who led her people
bravely both in life and death. She's also a military strategist… I also like GLaDOS from Portal
for being not only a non-sexualized female robotic character, but also for her witty and sarcastic
personality and complete lack of empathy.”
“Glados because she's smart, witty, funny, entertaining, and just the right amount of evil…”
Natalie and Julia from Harvest Moon: Island of Happiness. They are both strong willed… they both
possess confidence and feminine qualities, smart and pretty (which I feel girls usually aren't
allowed to be even in real life sometimes).
“Ghost for Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2, cause he was the most skilled soldier I've ever had
the pleasure of virtually serving alongside of, and a great comrade, too. R.I.P. Ghost.”
“Glados from Portal because even though she tries to kill you she still loves you.”
Who’s Your Favorite Character?
“I like the
same intelligence. The female is portrayed as smarter and more strategic in her thinking. The male
twin is not above her and they are portrayed as equals because they are equal,
designers thought that there needed to be a female character.
Girl / 10th grade / Level 8 / No
“Sylvanas Windrunner
bravely both in life and death. She's also a military strategist… I also like
for being not only a non-sexualized female robotic character, but also for her witty and sarcastic
personality and
Girl / 10th grade / Level 8 / Yes
“Glados
Natalie
possess
Girl / 9th grade / Level 8 / No
Girl / 10th grade / Level 8 / No
allowed to be even in real life sometimes).
“Ghost
the pleasure of virtually serving alongside of, and a great comrade, too. R.I.P. Ghost.
Girl / 11th grade / Level 8 / Yes
“Glados
Girl / 6th grade / Level 9 / Yes
Guys are what?
Boys, do you identify as a
Gamer?
Gamer Boys, do you want to
see more girls play?
Gamer Boys, do want to see more
female heroes?
Gamer Boys, do you believe women
are treated like sex objects in
games?