The Validity of Female Related Game Design and the Altercation of "Girl games"

Game design has grown beyond the arcade room based shooters.Games are constantly adopting characteristics that attract female players. The ever recent convergence of the female into what is known as a male avocation may give better awareness into the architecture of educational atmospheres that adhere to gender inclusive appraisals in the composition.

There are various explanations as to why digital games have arisen as a "guy thing." However, the increased amount of female games that are designed for girls may condone women to see technology such as computers as good instruments. The question is to how valid this argument really is.

As Michele D. Dickey notes,

" The main problem with developing games specifically targeted for girls and women is the question of whose notion of female is being portrayed in the game. There is danger in perpetuating cultural values that limit female roles and participation." Michele D. Dickey, Girl Gamers: The controversy of girl games and the relevance of female-oriented game design for instructional design.

Hence, it is significant to cross-examine whether the benefits of female apertures will defeat the conceivable disadvantage. Games such as Disney and Barbie definitely feed into specific stereotypical female interests.

"Interestingly there are many commonalities between elements of female-oriented game design and the types of tools and opportunities in constructivist learning environments. Many games are increasingly constructed as representations of 3D spaces, allowing players to move and interact in stimulated realistic or fantasy environments." (Dickey)

With that being said, for the composition of learning atmospheres, it is very important for apprentices to seek contingencies for investigation and direction to advance their building of understanding. Various games are also developing socialized atmospheres where global players may consort to one another and create gaming strategies. These days characteristics of female-oriented design are indeed integrated in contemporary massive multiplayer online (MMO) role-playing games such as World of Warcraft. Not to mention, women are commonly known to be drawn to different aspects of this type of gaming than men are.

"In massive multiplayer online games, men are significantly more likely to play games due to the possibility of great achievement and the ability to manipulate the game environment for personal gain, where women are significantly more likely to play games due to their desire to interact with fellow gamers and form meaningful relationships." Nicholas Maisonave, Gender in Gamer Culture and the Virtual World.

Much is to be learned regarding what exactly draws both males and females into specific aspects of game design. Taking a look at how females converge into what was once known solely as a male pastime gives insight, methods, and strategies in educating game designers how to communicate experiences and atmopheres to students of both genders.