Gender analysis of players in computer games

The diploma thesis is focused on gender differences within computer games. Theoretical part contains the introduction into the topic of gender and computer games. Gender is defined as social category that has been based on the biology of human. This is referred to as sex of the individual. According to the gender, one creates gender identity that is further accepted as its own gender and social role. Interestingly, from certain social and gender roles the gender stereotypes arise. These stereotypes are represented by people’s expectations of how the certain gender will behave in different situations. The thesis also focuses on multiple aspects by which the gender can be explained. Additionally, it aims to describe computer games, their developmental milestones, first women involved, basic classification and current gaming genres. Last part of the theoretical section explains computer players behavior. In detail, it focuses on exploring the motivation to play, accessibility of the public to games and their choice of selection especially in context of female players. The chapter also describes how behavior of the players is influenced by the gender identity. This phenomenon is further on more focused on female players and so called “gender swapping”. In the end, the most common gender stereotypes are discussed. Further on, all statements and observations found in the theoretical part serve as a basis for the formation of the hypothesis and questions explored in the practical part of the thesis. Practical part of the thesis aims to analyze players behavior and how they perceive gender itself and its differences in computer games. The research verifies the knowledge and claims from theoretical part that separate males and females based on significant differences. Players behavior is primarily investigated using questionnaire. In order to understand the problematics of gender perception in computer games fully, the practical part is enriched by several interviews with computer games players. The aim of the thesis is to confirm the veracity of known gender stereotypes, basic statements and assumptions through the behavioral gender analysis of computer games players. The analysis is focused on stereotypes and statements within games and genres preferences, motivation of players, choice of game characters and avatars and perception of the gender in computer games. The results of the thesis find out if the players behave according to the gender stereotypes or not and if behavioral differences between male and female players can be claimed. The obtained results pointed out that there are certain behavioral differences between male and female computer games players but not to such extent as previously assumed. Among the most stereotypical assumptions about the games choice and the motivation to play, it was shown that males and females have no significant discrepancies.