June 9, 2006 - As the videogame world is increasingly under scrutiny by politicians, the press, and community groups, many in the industry are eager to knock down a few stereotypes -- whether it is that gamers are violent, lazy, hopelessly nerdy, or horny, heterosexual, and male.
The straight gamer stereotype -- or at least part of it -- is being challenged by a new survey out of the University of Illinois to study gay, lesbian, and bisexual gamers. Recent graduate Jason Rockwood designed the survey, which is the first formal, academically-approved study of sexual orientation and related issues among gamers.
The survey, which consists of 91 questions and takes 30-45 minutes to complete, is designed both to determine the presence of gay gamers and to learn about their concerns and gaming habits. The questions cover subjects such as gaming preferences, sexual identity, recent purchases, and online gaming activity.
In addition to understanding the presence of gay, lesbian, and bisexual gamers, the study should also provide a real sense of what gay gamers enjoy playing. Rockwood said some gay gamers were concerned that marketers would try to court the demographic with naïve stereotypes, similar to luring female gamers with titles like Barbie Horse Adventure. (We know plenty of girl gamers who like Quake.)
The survey, which consists of 91 questions and takes 30-45 minutes to complete, is designed both to determine the presence of gay gamers and to learn about their concerns and gaming habits. The questions cover subjects such as gaming preferences, sexual identity, recent purchases, and online gaming activity.
In addition to understanding the presence of gay, lesbian, and bisexual gamers, the study should also provide a real sense of what gay gamers enjoy playing. Rockwood said some gay gamers were concerned that marketers would try to court the demographic with naïve stereotypes, similar to luring female gamers with titles like Barbie Horse Adventure. (We know plenty of girl gamers who like Quake.)
