Written by: Tina Lybaek
Counselor: T.L Taylor

Abstract
The subject of this thesis entitled Gamer Trouble is women who play computer games. Gender and identity is the focus. The stereotypical notion, that only boys and men play computer games, is a widespread belief. This thesis is based on the assumption that women do play computer games but have different conditions as gamers.

The following questions were asked: If playing computer games is mainly understood to be a male activity then how do female gamers deal with gender and identity? Which strategies do female gamers use to negotiate gamer identity? Is it necessary for women to compensate, when playing computer games, in order not to fall into a stigmatized category?

As its method the thesis uses qualitative interviews to investigate the gendered gamer and her strategies towards negotiating a gamer identity. Two main findings are discussed. One is the strategy of not caring too much about what other people say or think about the gaming activities. The other is a strategy of trying to pass as the image of an idealized woman. As such it is not a question of giving women physical access to gaming. It is rather a question of realizing those structures that keep women from gaming.


Keywords:
Social construction, gender, gamer identity, computer games.