The term gamer is used to self identify or label a particular person as a participant in gaming and gamer culture. The term is ambiguous in that no one set of attributes subscribes to the identity/label. Gamers may play “hardcore” games or social ones, may dabble in many games or immerse themselves in a few, may be very present on game forums and produce walkthroughs or keep to themselves — no one criterion fully encompasses what it means to be a gamer.

Shaw uses Bhabha’s theory of hybridity to highlight how multiple “gamer” identities can intersect to exist in the meta level of gamer culture (Shaw 35). For example, the term “gaymer” is an identification that encompasses “gamer” and LGBTQ identities into an individual aspect that is greater than the sum of its parts.

A somewhat controversial identity within the term “gamer” is the female or “gamer girl” identity, which often carries a negative connotation both within the misogynistic gaming community (Shaw 33) and from non-gamers (Royse 569). Anita Sarkesian’s work on gendered representations in gaming have made steps towards true gender equality among all gamers.

Works referenced:

Shaw, Adrienne. “Do You Identify as a Gamer? Gender, Race, Sexuality, and Gamer Identity.” New Media and Society 14.28 (2011): 28-40. Web. 5 Mar. 2014.

Royse, Pam, Joon Lee, Baasanjav Undrahbuyan, Mark Hobbson, and Mia Consalvo. “Women and Games: Technologies of the Gendered Self” New Media and Society 9.4 (2011): 555-574. Web. 5 Mar. 2014.