When it comes to boys and girls, we feel its not sexist to observe that, in general, boys are more into computer games than girls. You could say that girls are too busy fighting for body autonomy and breaking glass ceilings. It might also be true to say that, in general, women are more into period drama’s than boys.
Thats why we’re really not sure how we feel about the new game called ‘Ever Jane’ which was released this week. Here’s the info provided on the website..
Ever, Jane is an on-line role-playing game set in the virtual world of Regency England and the works of Jane Austen. Unlike many multi-player games, it’s not about kill or be killed but invite or be invited. Gossip is our weapon of choice. Instead of raids, we will have grand balls. Instead of dungeons, we will have dinner parties.
Its a role playing game made by Judy L Tyrer, who created ‘Second Life, a hugely popular role play game. Players live in a regency era town of Tyrhampton. You pick your backstory based on gender, complexion, outfit, marital status and social standing and off you toddle. Its basically a Jane Austin Novel and you play a character. Instead of massacring multiple people, hijacking helicopters or building square blocked virtual worlds, you might find yourself stuck in a love triangle, planning a party or spreading gossip.
Heres where we’re torn, this game is clearly aimed at the female demographic, and we don’t like being told that we need “girly” versions of stuff before we’ll get on board. Life doesn’t have to be pink before we’ll take an interest. Is this going to entice more women in trades???
Today, we all know and accept that we don’t need a man to find happiness and contentment. We are all well able to make our own way in life, and if we can find a partner (male, female or undecided) who can keep up with us, then that’s just peachy. But, in Jane’s day, that wasn’t the case, and it was a dog eat dog world to snare the most eligible bachelor whilst fanning ones bosom and looking through ones eyelashes like butter wouldn’t melt.
But here’s the thing, lots (not all, but lots) of us ladies have no interest in playing online games where our character is always some dude who tortures or sleeps with defenceless one dimensional women (Yes, GTA, we’re looking at you). But the market is managed by, created by and marketed to mostly men. We need to even things up a bit. Is providing women with an opportunity to act the distressed damsel the best way to lure us into the gaming world. Eh, quite possibly actually.
Is there a market for a “Race to be the first female US president” game, where we all don pants suits and come up with healthcare policies and witty debate put-down to become the winner? Would we all be on board with that? We’ve got plenty of suggestions. Hey Games world, how about…
- Race to cure cancer
- Women’s FIFA 2018
- How to win control over your own body and make your own choices
- Complete an entire sentence in a board meeting without being “mansplained”.
We’re so torn. Part of us is super insulted that the only alternative to murderybloodsport games involves finding the perfect bonnet to wear at the latest formal. But the other part of us thinks that we’d look really cute in that bonnet so can’t help but get sucked in.
Have you played it? What do you think? Are we reading too much into this? Let us know so we can make peace with it please.
