5 years ago
The main problem with being a girl gamer is that it is easy for toxic players to use that to bully you when they decide to, because your gender is the most obvious thing about a stranger online (I'm talking about games with voice chat mainly). People who have decided to ruin Someone's day are gonna find a target no matter what - maybe you've got a weird accent, sound "qeer" or you're a woman. Thankfully, in my experience, these people are rare but when there is one it leaves a pretty bad impression and can sour your gaming experience for a long time.
Another aspect of your topic I would like to address is how easy it is to make guy friends... but how difficult it is to keep them after they realize you're not interested in them romantically and don't want to be their "e-gf". Guys, its painfully obvious when you're sucking up to us just because we are female! If you aren't willing to think of us as just another gamer, like one of the bros, and respect us - then please don't bother to "befriend" us. We're not your cheerleaders. Gaming is as much my hobby as it is yours!
Something I don't agree with in your post is how you're doing the same thing to other girls that you complain of a.k.a. gatekeeping. So what if someone just plays League? It's a pretty tough game to get into imo. So what if they just play mobile games? If they want to label themselves a gamer - let them! It's their own business, stay in your lane! (Sidenote: I've never actually seen anyone who Only plays mobile games call themselves a gamer.) Personally, I dislike the "tiddy streamers" and such but, hey, if it earns them a living why would they stop? The people who watch them are just as much to blame as them, but once again - it's their own free time. They can do whatever they want with it!
Anyways, sorry for the huge block of text, i just have a lot of thoughts. Character limit saved you. This time. (JK thanks for reading till the end)