HUD Special Edition: Women Writers
We're giving the regular panelists a break this week in a departure from the usual sausage-fest that is HUD for a very special edition focusing on 10 kick-ass female writers in the gaming industry, including six(!) editors-in-chief. We talk about what they're playing, hype around this year's biggest games, their views on sex in games and their worst pet peeves as female journalists. We're incredibly psyched to have all these writers with us this week -- hope you guys enjoy it too! -- Robin
(1) What are you playing this week?
I'm loving World of Goo, even if it's a struggle to remember just exactly how those laws of physics work. I'm also trying to tap into my more creative side to make some LittleBigPlanet levels, even if the results haven't been so pretty. It's a good thing that I write about games for my living instead of making them.
Fallout 3, Gears of War 2, Fable II, Left 4 Dead, Tomb Raider: Underworld, LittleBigPlanet — it's a ridiculously lovely time to be a gamer right now.
Guitar Hero: World Tour this week! I'm playing with my three roommates, just attempting to adjust back to the Guitar Hero style from playing so much Rock Band 2. As the bassist, I'm definitely feeling the heat with the new "note" added for bass!
Fallout 3 on the PC, but I'm having a hard time sticking to one game--there's an embarrassment of riches right now. Far Cry 2, Lego Batman, and Little Big Planet are kinda on deck. Rock Band 2 remains my palate cleanser, or will until I get my hands on some Samba de Amigo maracas. Aiiii!
Currently balancing my time between Midnight Club: LA (I'm surprised at how much I enjoy the online!) and Princess Debut -- and surprised that no one's ever thought of mashing up a dating sim with a rhythm game before. Interesting stuff, for sure! Next up: Fable II and Order of Ecclesia.
Fallout 3 -- Finished the main story, but went back to play the other 75 hours of the game.
About all I have time for these days is my first MMO, Perfect World. It's easy to pick up and put down, which is important! I'm playing with friends - who picked up the game in addition to their subscription MMOs - and some steady-eddy in game companions. On the plate this week? Just some grinding and hopefully finishing up some lingering dungeons.
I was playing Dead Space before my second Xbox 360 red-ringed. I bought an Elite to keep me company while the other goes back, but I haven't had time to play much. I did play Bejeweled Twist which is incredibly addicting. Be careful! Otherwise I plan to continue Dead Space tonight and Fable 2 this weekend.
This week, I've been playing various characters in Warhammer Online, and trying a few classes on both the Order and Destruction sides. Even though the game is focused on PvP and Public Quests, I haven't had to say a single word to anybody; it's kind of nice to have a shared understanding and sense of purpose without all the banter. I also just started playing Fable 2. Between hunting down bandits and beetles with her BFF named Pup Pup, my Hero is currently trying to find a mate using flatulence and flexing her muscles -- just like I'm doing in real life.
Fallout 3, Little Big Planet, Guitar Hero World Tour, Ubisoft's Ener-G branded girl's sports games, and Dora Saves the Snow Princess. And still more PixelJunk Eden. Currently, I'm trying to cope with the emotional decisions I have to make in Fallout 3. I used to love being evil in games but since I had my daughter I've gone all soft, and want to "do the right thing." It's really annoying. She's also the reason I'm playing Dora. We cover a lot of "kids" products for What They Play, but it's my not-so-secret guilty pleasure.
Reader Comments (5)
All I have to say is that its KICK ASS that girls are getting more of a voice in gaming! I know you guys have been out their and finally you are getting more and more credit. You encourage other girls to come out and start some more hard core gaming! I am an old school gamer myself (N64 and back), but i am getting more into the newer stuff. Keep your voices heard girls!! I work for a website called GameZombie and we would love your input... http://www.gamezombie.tv/ ... keep it up girls!!
That's interesting, nmsillak, because I'm a female gamer who plays male characters far more than female ones. In MMOs and RPGs I typically create male characters before even considering a female one. (Heck, even my screen name is named after one of my male characters) Though Lara Croft is my favorite female action-adventure character, I adore Prince of Persia (well, before his recent re-design) and Altair much more. As far as MMOs and RPGs go... My male and female friends, as well as my mom and brother, tend to create characters of both genders. I think my mom is the only one who does not regularly play as a character of the opposite gender. The rest of us are almost always playing characters of the opposite sex. I don't think it's weird or creepy at all.
Well I think there are a LOT more of us than one thinks. I personally just smirk to myself when I am sitting within a group of guys who are talking about their games etc. And how girls don't play (ie. WoW) and I sit there and think to myself, ya... and it was probably ME that just whooped your butt last ***ht in the Badlands. Girls just don't have the need to brag as much, we get more satisfaction out of knowing we are WAY stronger and menacing than one might think. Well that is my philosophy and reasoning anyway. haha Maybe someone could answer this one though. WHY oh WHY do so many men feel the urge and need to make female Characters? It is kind of creepy!! I don't make male ones, and don't know any girls who do!
Not everyone wants to play games where your reason for play is to kill. Try ClubPonyPals.com. Free to play, addictive, cute art and aimed at kids -- and their moms.
Good to see that normal looking women (and not stick figures) are into gaming. We need more of them.