Anyone who has known me for any length of time will tell you that I’ve been a gamer my entire life. Arcades, Consoles, PC, and now VR headsets. I’ve played them all.
Gaming as a woman has had its difficulties. Especially in multiplayer environments that are highly competitive, where violence is integral to the game, like Call of Duty, one of my all time favorites.
I’ve been fortunate in that I’m an adult. I can compartmentalize the abuse I’ve received and ignore it. Someone bullies me or tries to get me to quit and I’ll stay in the game just to piss them off. Most likely, I’ll mute everyone and enjoy the game in silence.
Because it’s just a game and I can play any way I damn well please.
But younger players are still trying to find their way in the world. They want to feel like they are part of a team, clan, or tribe. That they matter to others. That they are good enough. Tuning out some rando’s foul language and intimidation tactics is tied up in the way they see themselves and their self-confidence.
In response to my experience, I decided to write a novel where gaming was the central theme. Thus was born, Good Game, my latest novel that comes out in March. A contemporary romance that alludes to the abusive side of gaming, but gives hope for younger players and women in the end.
I hope you’ll give the novel a read.