40% of Gamers Are Female...WTF?

The Entertainment Software Association (ESA) reported back from their annual demographics study a couple days ago, and their findings have boggled more than a few minds--including mine. They found that 40% of gamers in the U.S. are female. After the initial reaction of shitting my pants, I was rather bewildered at the claim. Sure, with the influx of casuals games and the ridiculous success of the Wii in the U.S., it would make sense that there would be an increase in female gamers into the sausage-fest that is usually attributed with my favorite hobby. However, the figure looks to be wildly inflated.

Who do you see in the arcades, the trade shows, the online boards, the natural habitat of a gamer? You see males. I can assure you the demographics of those locations won't report back 40% female. In fact, a sighting in a place like this is a rare and usually always surprising find. Obviously, it would seem the ESA's definition of "gamer" in their study was very broad, so broad as to include a good portion of the Bejeweled, Wii Sports, and Cooking Mama crowd. I can't speak for anyone else, but when I think of the term, "gamer" I don't think of anyone who routinely plays the above titles. "Gamer" doesn't even have to be so narrowly defined within the hardcore regions of gaming. I know plenty of people who own a video game console just so they can play their Guitar Hero and Halo without going to a friend's house. Guess what? They're all male! I would include those guys as "gamers" because they do play games on a regular basis, even if they don't play a wide range or number of them. But wait, what about all those people (females) who regularly play Bejeweled, Wii Sports, blah, blah, blah, etc? You're forgetting a key component, the console. Even though those guys I mentioned before only play a few games, they still went out and bought a gaming machine for themselves. And that is how I would define "gamer"--someone who buys a a console (or a PC for that matter) for themselves to play games.

It is a well known fact that a good portion of Wii consoles bought in the U.S. are bought for family entertainment. If the ESA is counting moms doing yoga in Wii Fit as gamers, then I'm more surprised the number isn't larger than 40%. I'm not sure what the ESA is trying to accomplish by skewing their numbers, but as of right now, it just comes off as extremely weird.

In their poll of the day, Gamefaqs sought out to test the accuracy of the ESA's findings. At first glance, the ESA's final tally looks accurate with combined 41.83% saying that they are either a female gamer themselves or live with one that plays regularly or occasionally. However, "occasionally" is the key word. That option had 25.43% of the 41.83% that responded they either are or live with a female "gamer." The poll shows us that the ESA seems to have indeed used a very loose definition for what a female "gamer" should be.

Elite Beat Agents Are GO!!!!

That is all.

Anime on Jeopardy!

I know I've been beating the proverbial anime horse for a prolonged period of time, but this is worth reporting-- an anime category on Jeopardy. It was in the double jeopardy round about three weeks ago. Any hardcore anime fan would have surely answered all of the questions correctly as they were child's play with answers from Pokémon, Sailor Moon, and Princess Mononoke. I was quite shocked when one of the contestants, the one in the champion's position at the time, answered all correctly with the exception of one. The clue he missed was for the movie, "Akira," but he dubiously answered "Akiro." Honest mistake I guess, if you're an uptight smarty-pants adult who doesn't watch any anime. I love Jeopardy even more now.

Had to take down posts...

because Associated Content is gay.

Basically, I put my anime rocks and disney world pieces here before I put them on Associated Content. Apparently that's a no-no if I want to be paid, even though this is my blog. So in the meantime, I've taken them down until they get reviewed again by Associated Content and their bot doesn't see the pieces.

Let the Video Odyssey Begin

If anyone reading this post happens to be coming from my YouTube page or has seen any of my videos, then you're lucky because this is an update on my video progression.

I started these videos last summer out of boredom and the urge to try out iMovie since it was just wasting space sitting there nonchalantly in my dock. I haven't been able to upload as much as I've wanted during the school year, so as a result, I feel I need to make as many videos as I can during the summer.

As of right now, I am nearly finished shooting a five facts video. After that, I will definitely be doing something about Disney. No, it won't be what you're probably thinking. I can almost guarantee you'll learn something new. After that, nothing concrete is planned specifically what the video topic will be, but I have certain ideas that I would like to create over others. Looking at my idea sticky note, I have 17 ideas not including the two I previously mentioned. Maybe I should create a poll. Y'know, just for fun to see if the extremely low traffic I get on this blog would actually vote in it. :)

Happy Unbirthday!

I really don’t understand some people when it comes to birthdays. Even now at my still very young age of 20, my peers dread the prospect of turning another year older. Well, unless it’s turning 21, then they love it, but that’s another story. This all goes back to the way I live my life, easy-going and not worrying so much about things. Time is an uncontrollable continuum that we all must travel through, so there’s no reason to become worked up over it like many do.

People seem to act differently on their birthdays. They seem more excitable and temperamental. They hate the fact that they have stepped one year closer to their grave, but become upset when others fail to acknowledge their “special” day with a “Happy Birthday” greeting. They obviously can’t see the irony of their emotions. If they hate the thought of turning one year older so much, why do they wish to be reminded of their approaching date with Death?

I suppose it is the fact they feel the need to be loved by others. Does that cancel out their feeling of dread when they discover that new wrinkle on their forehead? Perhaps, but when it is close friends or family, I feel that saying “Happy Birthday” is hardly required. They shouldn’t have to say that certain thing on that certain day for that certain person to feel loved. If they do say it, does that negate all other instances during the year when compassion and love were needed, but not delivered?

This is precisely why I don’t like it when people “wish” me a “Happy Birthday.” I don’t need to be told this certain thing on this certain day for me feel accepted or loved. I already know that I am. To be recognized as special for something as trivial as living another 365 days is unsettling for me. Why am I being congratulated for simply living? It’s almost like people think they’ll receive some sort of karma boost out of wishing someone “Happy Birthday.”

Granted, I don’t mind being told “Happy Birthday” (much) by people I hardly see. Many times they’re just being polite. They heard from a friend of a friend and see me walking down the sidewalk and casually say “Happy Birthday” as I walk by. What more can I think or do but to say, “Oh thanks.”

With all that said however, I am certainly not above accepting gifts and favors from people on my birthday, I just won’t enjoy them…much.

Graduations: Places of Rowdiness?

I went to my sister's graduation ceremony a few weeks ago, and it was very unenjoyable. It wasn't the uninspired, cliched speech the Ivy League-bound valedictorian gave, or the exhaustingly long wait to hear my sister's name called. I was prepared for these things. I was expecting those. But when every called name is followed by a painfully loud volley of shrieks, whistles, and chants, the ceremony became less a ceremony and more like a rodeo filled with howler monkeys on crack. If I didn't know any better, I wouldn't think I was at a graduation ceremony. What gets into people at these things anyway?

I understand that if you're a parent or close family member, you're excited that your son/daughter/nephew/niece/brother/sister is graduating, but act respectful. Technically, you're not even supposed to clap until all the names have been read. I'll excuse clapping, but yelling and chanting? Unacceptable. I find it very disrespectful to every other student, and above all, it's annoying.

If your going to be rowdy, at least go the whole nine yards and bring a blow-horn, throw confetti, sing a song with the graduate's name in the chorus. Everyone else, just shut up please!