[JPMorgan]

Originally Posted by Ajkuhuun [You must be logged in to view images. Log in or Register.]

Like I said in the beginning of my post, I haven't ran into it a lot on P99, people seem equally pleasant and giving to new folks regardless of sex, as well as just helping out in general, but I'm also not a part of nor plan to be a part of the raid scene, so I can't speak for how it affects anything on the higher level.

At first I was extremely discouraged when I joined p99. I met a guy who was playing a female toon of the same race, class and level: only he had a lot of really nice upgrades constantly handed out to him while I maintained my trusty, rusty spear. I was pleasantly surprised, however, when I eventually got a some cool hand-me-downs as well. I think this is indicative of the higher level of maturity of p99 when compared to classic live. We're all substantially older now.

To be fair, this was my personal experience and what drove me to play more of a male persona when I game, but I began gaming when females just weren't as prevalent in the gaming world, and times have changed. Someone starting now may have an entirely different experience to what I encountered back in 1999.

I've always found the concept of women playing male characters interesting. Men play women for various reasons, but in the end it's expected that most women are men. I don't think I've ever encountered a male character who I had suspected was actually a female.

In a way it exchanges any positive or negative impact that your sexual identity may have upon your experience, for the impacts of your actual achievements and other measurable qualifications. This is the reality of gaming for nearly all male players. A man is simply a player, there are no other factors. He is measured by the results he produces. A woman is a female and a player, and so a different set of criteria shapes her experiences. It's kind of a double-edged sword: do you want free shit and special treatment, or do you want to be taken seriously?

Is it right? Probably not. But, I think the social context created by women flaunting the fact that they are women isn't going to improve anything from the vantage point of any neck beard. I'm not saying women should hide the fact that they are women, I'm just saying it behooves them to not go out of their way to announce it. Just like on your male character: you didn't correct anyone, and you didn't play up the fact that you're a woman. Which is pretty groovy. So, my next comment doesn't really apply to you.

But, for statements like these:

Lol, you seriously think women have an easier time in online games?

The answer is obviously "yes." You will have an easier time getting gear, and you will have an easier time procuring help in achieving whatever it is you want to achieve. However, if you abuse the fact that most men will jump at the chance to help a woman gamer by flaunting your alleged double X chromosomes while expecting to be taken seriously, you will technically have a harder time, in that you will fail to have your cake and eat it too.