Being a man-girl

[LinkDarksteppe]

OK, so I joined these forums just yesterday and noticed there's a bit of contention around male people playing as female characters. I see the same thing happening in-game too. I find it all a bit bizarre, so I thought I'd start a thread about it (tentatively, and after buying a flame-proof suit!).

I myself am a bloke, but I play a a female character in this particular game. Not because I want to flirt, or be a slut, or lead people on - but purely because I feel like a female avatar fits the way I want to play this game better. To me, Final Fantasy XIV is quite a smiley-happy place. Eorzea is full of "cuteness" so I wanted to create a character that could react to, fit in with and embody the spirit of the world. So - I chose a Miqo'te.

In other games, like Mass Effect 3, I'm a complete and utter asshole to everyone, so I chose to play as a bloke. In Skyrim, I'm a hardarse who has a problem with authority (read: kills authority at any opportunity), so again I'm a male. In EVE Online, I'm a fair but firey industrialist - and I chose a female character for that.

In my opinion, your choice of avatar isn't a reflection of your real world self, or an opportunity to mislead others. It's a entirely new you - someone you've created to interact with and be a part of the world you're in. And it's really, really upsetting to be judged instantly when you tell people in-game that you're a bloke playing a girl.

That said, I know there are players who do make this choice to mislead and deceive people. But what I'm saying with this thread is; don't shoot people down just because their avatar isn't an accurate reflection of their real world self - we're all characters in-game, so make judgements based on how that character acts rather than second guessing the person behind the avatar

What do you all think?

MB

[Zahak]

I know lot's of players who play the opposite sex in game and I have yet too see anyone being treated differently because of it, Riddill welcomes you!

[Xorfos]

All female characters are men and should be treated as such.

The only exception is if you're a lalafell female. Then you're a cute 15-year old JP girl.

[LlenCoram]

I've honestly not seen that much animosity towards guys playing female characters... It's sort of a given nowadays, I'd think. I'm not sure there are many left who actually care.

[LinkDarksteppe]

I've honestly not seen that much animosity towards guys playing female characters... It's sort of a given nowadays, I'd think. I'm not sure there are many left who actually care.

It happened to me with a Linkshell I joined, and I've seen a few forum posts to the effect. But hey. maybe I've just had a couple of bad, out-of-the-norm experiences!

[Ingolf]

I don't mind guys who play as female characters. I myself have made one every now and then.

I will probably roll to a female roegadyn when 2.0 hits too. I wouldn't worry about it to be honest.

People who abuse their gender are far worse. I have a good friend (female) who plays as a male character, and it's simply because she prefers to roleplay as one. There's nothing weird about it, as long as you don't start lying to people about it.

[LinkDarksteppe]

I don't mind guys who play as female characters. I myself have made one every now and then.

I will probably roll to a female roegadyn when 2.0 hits too. I wouldn't worry about it to be honest.

People who abuse their gender are far worse. I have a good friend (female) who plays as a male character, and it's simply because she prefers to roleplay as one. There's nothing weird about it, as long as you don't start lying to people about it.

Good post! I agree. Interesting to see it happening the opposite way, too

[_pops]

I agree, OP. It shouldn't necessarily be an extension of yourself, rather, somewhat of an alter ego. Not saying it shouldn't reflect the real life you, it could, just everyone is entitled to what they want to play as. It's a game; play it the way you want it.

I myself am a chick playing a dude and I have my reasons and I don't get flak for it. Also, this:

I know lot's of players who play the opposite sex in game and I have yet too see anyone being treated differently because of it, Riddill welcomes you!

[Malakhim]

While I don't think Eorzea is particularly "cutesy"(it seems far more treacherous than anything lately), I am a dude and I like playing my cute elezen female, but I'll probably be switching to a male miqo'te in 2.0. I guess there are many reasons why, from I appreciate females more than males in general(gee I wonder why :P), it's a fantasy game, to maybe secretly I identify more with women anyway(gnarly!).

I don't think there's anything wrong with it necessarily. I think it's funny when those not yet versed in the internet think I'm a girl and try to start hitting on me. That's always fun.

[Vassteel1]

i have seen some male characters plaid by females just sayin