Gamer Girl vs. Girl Gamer: Stereotypical Gamer Traits Increase Men's Play Intention

Abstract

The present study utilized two theories (the common ingroup identity model; expectation states theory) to examine male players' intention to play video games with a female player. Consistent with the common ingroup identity model, male participants who were exposed to a pseudo Xbox profile presenting a woman as a stereotypical gamer showed stronger identification with the gamer category compared to those who saw a profile presenting her as a stereotypical female player. These male participants in turn showed stronger intention to play video games with the woman in the Xbox profile. Results also supported expectation states theory, suggesting that viewing the profile which represents a woman as a stereotypical gamer was related to men's stronger intention to play a competitive rather than a casual video game with her. These results shed light on the positive influence of presenting female video game players with counterstereotypical traits to reduce discrimination against women in gaming.