World of Warcraft characters, or toons, can be male or female. Players often choose toons of different genders to their own, which can disturb their in-game peers...
When players create a World of Warcraft character, or toon, they have some choices to make. Which faction will they choose—Alliance or Horde? Which class will they play—rouge or mage, warrior or druid? Which race appeals—the noble night elf or the inventive gnomes? And which gender?
There are no playable differences between male and female WoW toons—a female warrior is as strong as a male, a male rouge as quick as a female, but choosing gender often determines how players view a character, particularly in role-playing realms.
Cross-Dressing WoW Toons
There’s also the fact that some players have problems with ‘cross-dressing’ WoW toons. Most players understand that World of Warcraft is just a game, and that a player’s choice of gender is no more important than his or her choice of race, class or faction.
Still, some players find the idea of a male player with a female toon discomforting (oddly, no-one seems to find the reverse a problem). Sometimes this attitude grows out of a sense of Internet safety—if the player “lies” about his or her gender, can other believe what they say. Certainly people have been fooled by chat line users who have lied about themselves for nefarious purposes.
World of Warcraft differs from a chat room, however, in that it is pure fantasy. No-one believes a player really is a blood elf in real life. The distinction between player and character is much easier to make than the distinction between a real person and their chat room persona.
Some players assume playing a ‘cross-dressing’ toon says something about the player’s sexuality. Frankly, this attitude probably says more about the uncomfortable player than the one who chose to play a female blood elf.
Gender and Role-Playing
World of Warcraft role-playing realms can include online romance and dating. Occasionally WoW toons get “married.” The player of a male toon may be alarmed to discover that his online “wife” is played by a male character. If the thought makes a player uncomfortable, they may want to consider avoiding the romantic aspects of role-playing.
Some WoW races seem more popular than others for ‘cross-dressing.’ On the Alliance side, female night elves and gnomes seem like popular choices. For the Horde, blood elves seem to be the most popular choice. Then again, if a male character chooses to play a female Tauren, that’s his choice.
To be fair, more World of Warcraft players really don’t care about gender differences between toons and players (although those who do can become quite vocal in their condemnation). So many male players have female toons that a running joke exists claiming that there are no female players on WoW, just female toons. (Not true by the way). Ultimately, it’s how well characters play World of Warcraft that wins them respect, not the gender of their toons.
The copyright of the article World of Warcraft, Toons and Gender in Computer Software is owned by Michael McGrath. Permission to republish World of Warcraft, Toons and Gender in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
>"Still, some players find the idea of a male player with a female
toon >discomforting (oddly, no-one seems to find the reverse a
problem)." Strangely, I have found the reverse is true. As a
female player, I have encountered more players' shock at discovering that
my sole male toon alt is played by a female than I have observed the
reverse of in party and guild interactions. Of course, some of this may
have to do with letting the almost assuredly male teen players in most PUGs
assume that my guy toon is really a guy and let them carry on in typically
male-bonding language before revealing to them that what they are chatting
about is being "heard" by a girl!
Feb 27, 2009 5:11 AM
Guest :
On the contrary, I myself am a male and play female characters. From a
psychological aspect I dont think there is anything wrong with it. In fact
I think that as a player of a game like World of Warcraft you invest hours
upon hours in one character. Essentially you develop a bond with a
character. For some perhaps it is the sense of having a bond with your
character of the opposite gender. From a roleplaying standpoint, I believe
it is a challenge to be taken out of your element so to speak and step into
the role of a member of the opposite persuasion. It is my personal opinion
that the sign of a good roleplayer is to be able to adapt. Also some people
simply do not like the aesthetic look of the male characters. Myself
included, I think that the male characters all typically looked jacked on
roids.
Apr 3, 2009 10:01 AM
Guest :
question why dont the makers of world of warcraft make it xbox 360
compatable you now. some of us cant afford a computer or a phone ive heard
lots of people complaining about this includeing me the only way i can play
is when my friend lets me use his laptop.
Apr 28, 2009 7:14 AM
Guest :
I choose Characters gender according to that mages, warlocks and other
dress(robe) wearing classes may better look as female and male characters
might look gay :D example: http://i27.tinypic.com/a4ym95.png I preffer Male
warrior over female warrior cause the thin female heds look like they are
about to break when carrying the heavy swords/maces/axes/shields :D
May 3, 2009 1:06 PM
Tina Samuels :
As a female player, I have always had female toons. I find more issue with
calling them "toons" instead of avatars or characters, but that
is neither here nor there.
I've heard several men players say
that the reason they play a female character is because of the scantily
clad outfits the females have and if they are going to look at a character
for hours and hours it best have breasts. :)
Jan 30, 2009
