It's "thanks" to the cross-over appeal success of the Nintendo DS that we get The Girl's Guide for Gaming which aims to appeal to the "unheard" voices of girls who game. From their blurb:
Do you want to take on the boy's at their own game and beat them every single time? You want to prove that games AREN'T just for the guys anymore! Are you, your daughter, your niece or your best friend a Nintendo DS or DS Lite girl gamer? Tired of other gaming publications ignoring all your favourite games in favour of the latest big boy's toys? So you want all the latest gaming gossip and the hottest hints and tips especially written for you? So do we, and its about time. The Girl's Guide To Gaming! is the must have accessory for all Nintendo DS and DS Lite gaming girls, just like you.
I sense this was written by a non-gamer. Forgive me if it wasn't. Why? Well, one of the biggest misconceptions of gamers, male or female, is that all they want to do is beat the other person. When it becomes a gender thing, the lines are clearly divided between the sexes and the us-vs-them thing makes "us" girls" want to kick the proverbial butts of "them" boys. Sigh. I'll tell you that it isn't, and this kind of framework ruins the fun.
It's not about beating the boys at their own game. It has nothing to do with that. This a cheap approach which reduces the perception of gaming into sport for hyper-competitive people.
I've not read the book, but if you have, please do tell us what you think of it, and whether it transcends the stereotypes at all.
