Even after a good 20 years of the internet, there are still significantly more male players than female gamers in most MMORPGs, although the number of the latter is steadily increasing. So it’s about time to just maximize the male “stereotyping” and categorize all the lovely ladies of the online gaming world.
I’m sure most of you will at least somewhat see yourselves reflected here. In any case: Don’t feel attacked, this is meant to be read with a wink, and if needed, we can also create a similar list for the male equivalents (already done!).
The Wallflower
This lady is typically quiet, rarely speaks on TeamSpeak, and you only really know she’s a woman because at some point the microphone wasn’t muted in time.
She plays a healer, as it somehow seems logical to her to take care of other players and act more in the background rather than drawing attention to herself. Her performance is solid because she knows the team only works when everyone contributes.
The Pretty Accessory
Everyone knows why this woman is in the raid group, and it certainly isn’t due to her gaming performance. She is the girlfriend of the raid leader and wanted to “check out what her sweetheart is playing.” To avoid hurting anyone’s feelings – and to not get overlooked during loot distribution – all raid members stay quiet and don’t dare to say: “Girl, you have no idea about the game, and we can’t do this with you.” Luckily, the failed raid often results in the conclusion: Losing is no fun for the woman, and from now on she stays away.
The Damsel in Distress
She has always been interested in video games and finally decided to install World of Warcraft on her computer. Her first character is either a mage or a priest, as long as it can wear pretty dresses and cast a bit of magic – but it has to be a human, because the other races seem a bit “creepy.” A bit naive and not knowing what she triggers, she eventually writes in the general channel: “Women and technology, sorry, but where exactly do I get linen cloth for tailoring?” And that’s when it all starts. Dozens of male teenagers will swarm around her, showering her with the necessary materials, always taking her along in instances and ensuring she has the latest gear because a woman on the internet? You have to keep her close!
The Princess
The Damsel in Distress (see above) can eventually grow into the princess – luckily not always. The princess sees the gifts she receives from her followers as an entitlement. She has completely gotten used to the fact that she only has to snap her fingers, and all members of the guild go searching for that one particularly rare robe she still needs for her collection. Additionally, her followers (whom she sometimes calls “disciples”) always want to outdo each other to increase their standing in the eyes of their beloved, which only strengthens her claims to power.
The Diva
This representative of femininity has been playing since the closed beta, if not even involved in the development of the game itself, and naturally holds the role of guild leader. She plays exceptionally competitively, and her gaming performance is also above average.
She is aware that she is in a male-dominated terrain and has adjusted accordingly to be accepted and, above all, respected. She does not hesitate to abuse her power to maintain the status quo. In discussions, it is difficult to sway her opinion, and even if she is obviously wrong, it doesn’t help – because you would then be guildless.
The Manipulator
Conspiracies are her specialty. The manipulator loves to befriend many people and pretend that you are the person she has the most fun with. Even though she is just a regular guild member without any officer rank, she helps out at every opportunity and always presents herself friendly.
In reality, she doesn’t need a higher rank because she already controls the other members. If you cross the manipulator, you will have no friends in the guild because she quickly sows rumors and is always careful to ensure no suspicion falls back on her. For her, it’s just a game, a simulation of a social society where she can show who really holds the strings.
The Wonder Girl
She is usually quite quiet, never wants to accept many gifts from the guild, and always helps wherever assistance is needed. In fact, you wouldn’t really notice her if it weren’t for one annoying thing.
She plays the same class as you and has significantly worse equipment, yet she does her job better. She deals more damage, heals more, or generates more threat than you, and no matter how hard you try, you just can’t reach her. When you bring it up, you get the friendly answer: “Oh, I just play intuitively, without thinking too much about it.” Here it is. The female intuition. Admit defeat, you can stand on your head all you want, you won’t be able to beat her.
The Girl Hacker
The last person in the group is not actually a woman, but a man who has realized that it’s much easier to achieve something in MMORPGs when other players think you are a woman.
If you’re not paying close attention, you could easily confuse him with the “Damsel in Distress,” but you can see through him: The girl hacker thanks profusely whenever he receives something and repeatedly emphasizes how “she” would be lost without your help. Furthermore, he often uses smileys, especially at the end of the sentence you will almost always find a “:-” or “:)”. He uses you to achieve his successes and gear faster, always be aware of that.
I hope you enjoyed this list, feel free to share your opinions and critiques in the comments. And dear ladies: Don’t take this too seriously, the men still like you!
