Predicting the Creation of Video Game Characters for Males and Females

Abstract

Males and females play video games in similar numbers (ESA, 2017). There are differences in the games and genres favored by each however (Yee, 2017a) with females being less likely to prefer shooter and sports games and to prefer fantasy games. The reasons for this disparity are not well understood. One possibility is the greater flexibility in character selection and creation for some genres may be a factor. On average male preferred genres are known for presenting females in a sexualized manner for example (Lynch et al., 2017). We examined the characters female and male players created when given information about the genre of the game they would play (e.g., fantasy, first person shooter) and details about the setting of the game (e.g., winter). Participants used a character creation program that permitted modification of body characteristics, selection and modification of clothing, and selection of accessories (e.g., weapons).