Girls Gamers: They exist and are growing

I've noticed over the past year while playing Gears of War and Ghost Recon 2 and even Counter-strike online, I've been meeting a lot more female gamers playing the games traditionally only thought to be enjoyed by guys. These ladies aren't just fodder for sexist comments either, some of them kick some serious jibooty.

Amber Dalton is a member of PMS Clan, a professional gaming clan comprised completely of women that had been competing for over 5 years. In an interview with Steven Wong of GameDaily, Amber shares her insights into competitive gaming, the role women have in gaming and the responsibility girl gamers have to attract more women to gaming.

It is very easy to maintain anonymity while gaming, but that is not the way Amber sees it. When asked how important it is for more female gamers to step out and become known, she had this to say:

(Amber) I say greatly. While some women want to be known as a "gamer" and not a "girl gamer," I do not agree. Until women are common representatives in gaming, we need to represent greater diversity in gaming. We owe it to other women to help blaze a path that will make it easier for future women in gaming to follow. Take pride in who you are, don’t hide it. The same can be said for people like Rafik "Lost Cauze" Bryant, one of the only top African American male gamers in the PC community. To me, he has a greater responsibility than his male counterparts in the fact he needs to provide a good example for minority pro gamers. He seems to take that responsibility very well, and I think he is a wonderful representative for all gamers.

It is a short interview, but it gives some insight into the minds of female gamers. With the numbers of female gamers growing each day, as men playing these games we need to recognize the value women can bring to our gaming experience in terms of skill and community.