The best part for me is my girls. I am still astounded when I meet more and more women gamers, from all walks of life, that are amazing in so many ways. From the 48 year-old who gained confidence in herself as a person to make life-changing decisions, to the 14 year-old that became a top player in only six months and said she would not even have been playing if she had not joined us.
I have heard so many amazing stories and that's how I know, no matter what some of the haters say, we ARE doing the right thing. What PMS Clan does for our girls is the most important thing for me.
What is the worst part?
Addiction. Fact is, for many of us gamers (male and female), playing is certainly an addiction. Gaming has a way of taking over everything you do. Also, my whole social life has changed to revolve around my Xbox and my PC. If I am not gaming, I find myself in forums, blogging on MySpace, typing in chat rooms and talking to other gamers constantly.
I had my life mapped out once, but then the Worldwide Web changed me forever. That's why I am so glad to attend tournaments and work for tech companies at expos, as it gets me out of the house and helps me maintain a balance.
Why do you think girls are not as valued in the gaming community?
I think there are many gamers that value us. Women bring a very important thing to the gaming community...diversity. The old stereotype of a guy sitting in the basement by himself playing in the dark for 13 hours is gone. Welcome to a place where friendships are formed and possibly even meeting the girl of your dreams--someone who actually shares your gaming passion.
Video games are entertainment as much as an e-sport, and women gamers help break the stereotype; they bring in mainstream interest and more money into the industry. This helps the guys find more companies willing to sponsor a pro-player, developers making better games (as more games and systems are sold) and makes gaming more socially acceptable. I think those that have problems with us will realize these facts in the long run.
What is PMS doing to change the stereotypes about women gamers?
By providing an encouraging gaming environment for women gamers, PMS Clan is helping change stereotypes as it increases the number of women players. This type of support helps more girls come out of the woodwork, which is something I find happening more and more. It also increases their game time and helps improve overall skill and dedication. This is what we need to happen in order to see a high-ranked female team/player in a co-ed event.
There are thousands and thousands of male gamers in the tournament circuits and just a handful of females. It is a numbers game, and when we increase the number of dedicated women players, we are bound to get women that are more skilled. Women CAN compete...and they do.
What where you like in high school?
I was kind of a compulsive Type-A over-achiever. I played volleyball, basketball, cheerleading, State Forensic champions, State Show Choir, State Swing Choir and was the lead in school musicals. While doing all of this, I also managed to work full-time waiting tables at a country club where I made more money then my mother, owned three cars before I turned 18 and financially supported myself, my boyfriend/fiance and my sister.
My mother was OK with this because after 8th grade, I never really got into much trouble. Don't get me wrong, I was still a hellion: very opinionated and quite the prankster. However, I was also very focused and the only graduating senior who pledged not to drink at graduation. That is probably where I learned to multi-task so well...and learn to live on 4-6 hours of sleep!
What advice would you give gURLs who want to get into gaming?
Video games are a source of entertainment, like movies and music. The basis of this pastime is just to 'have fun.' There are many situations in which girls are hassled for being a female voice in a sea of male gamers, but as time rolls along, the stereotypes are diminished.
Don't let a bump in the road get you down. Just continue to represent women gamers in a positive light and never let petty ignorance get in between you and your passion.
