Gaming Safely for the Ladies

This article is for the ladies of Mobile Strike. Men, please stop reading here…

Okay, girls let’s talk nails and makeup…

Did that work? Are the guys gone? Okay, let’s move on, with the real topic.

We spend a lot of time discussing game strategy and that is important. However, with the game there comes community. Engaging in that community is important to all of us and we love the community. However, there are ways that we can protect ourselves as women in gaming and be able to engage within the community in safer ways.

Last month we spent some time talking in general about safe gaming with tips for the guys and girls however, this month we are going to specifically look at being a woman in gaming.

A Note to the Men Who Kept Reading

I know we joked about our guys stopping reading, however, if you know a female gamer, love a female gamer, or play the game with a female gamer there are things that we want to talk to you about as well.

Women gamers are not playthings that exist to flirt and send you nudes.
Respect is key
We do not want to see your nudes either
Do not underestimate the women of this community, many of them are better gamers than you, yeah I’m talking to you.

Okay, so now I’m gonna tone it down a little bit because I know that was harsh. Honestly many of the men in our community are respectful, however, we do know that there are the ones out there that ruin the name of other male gamers.

Do not fall into the mindset of just being another one of the boys. Think of the women you encounter in the gaming community as your mothers, sisters, wives, daughters, etc. Then treat those women with the respect you would expect the women in your life to be treated with. If you see disrespect happening towards the women in our community do not sit back and watch because that condones the behavior.

Back to the Ladies

Okay Ladies, let’s talk. It’s tough being a female in what can often feel like a boys club. Even though close to half of the gamers are women we are still finding our way in this world. We still run into men who think we are playing because we want to meet a guy, find a guy to flirt with or get some kind of attention.

We still run into men that send us pictures that we would have been okay not seeing and expect us to send them pictures in return. Not only that but women are just perceived differently. In my year’s gaming, I have lost track of the number of times I have been told by men that they use neutral names and female avatars because they believe they will get hit more or their Commander will be returned if they ask.

Tips for Engaging Safely in a Gaming Community as a Woman

Recently in the media, a lot of women have spoken out about what they have endured as women in the gaming world and we know that a lot of their stories can resonate with our ladies. So what’s a girl to do? Well, we certainly do not quit. There are ways that we can address the issues that still exist and stand up and send a message to our community that it’s not okay.

Tip Number One: Do Not Accept it as Status Quo

It is okay to demand respect for yourself as a woman. It is never okay to feel harassed or disrespected by your male counterparts in the gaming community. If it is happening speak up. There is no shame in standing up for yourself and often other women will be able to speak to similar experiences with that same player.

To the rest of our community, let’s be the community that says that this behavior is not okay. Our community is shaped by us, so let’s make it a place that is not only safe but positive.

Tip Number Two: Do not send the Nudes

Within a couple of months of beginning gaming, I was told by a man in-game that if I sent him nudes he would return my Hero (commander) that had been capped. Men will offer packs, they will flirt and send you their nudes, they will ask for your nudes. Do not fall into this trap. First of all girls, do you really know the guy behind the other screen? Is he going to send these pictures to others? Once you release those pictures into the wild you have no control over what happens to them.

Tip Number Three: Surround yourself with a Supportive community

Engage with other people who are supportive. Not everyone you meet in-game is going to be honest. Just like in real life… So make sure you surround yourself with people that you can turn to for support. I tend to be trusting and so I have a friend that I run many things by. She is more skeptical than me and knows when to say, Cin, let’s really think about this. Recognizing whether or not you need that person in your life is important and having a supportive community is important for all.

Tip Number Four: Do Not be Afraid to Hit Block

The game, Line, and Discord all have a lovely Block Button. Do not be afraid to use it! If someone is making you uncomfortable or harassing you it is okay to block them. It is also okay to turn off notifications and step away from your phone. That can be difficult to do sometimes but it is important and necessary.

Tip Number Five: Protect Yourself and Set Clear Boundaries

I have met many people in real life that I had only gamed with in the past. However, there are safe ways to do this and unsafe ways to do this. Here are some quick tips to help you in this situation:

Do not give out personal information such as an address, phone number, real name. If you do get to a place where you are sharing this information be sure it is with someone you can really trust.
If you do meet someone from the gaming community in real life be sure to do so in a safe situation. Meet in a public place, tell a friend or family member where you are going and how long you expect to be there. Set up a check-in time with someone trustworthy. Set up a safe word with someone who you can call for help if things go badly.
Technology is great if you are meeting with someone, be sure to keep your GPS on so your phone can be tracked if something goes wrong using a family app that allows ppl to see where your phone is.
Set boundaries with people, let them know what is okay for you, and what is not. Demand respect for those boundaries and know that if people cannot respect your boundaries then they will not respect you.

Tip Number Six: Take Care of Yourself

Self-care ladies! It’s easy to get really wrapped up in the gaming community and let your emotions get overly involved. Make sure you take breaks when you need them and take time to take care of yourself. This is a good tip for anyone and it’s as simple as checking your shield and putting your phone on silent for a couple of minutes and then walking away and engaging in a new activity.

What’s Next?

We have tons of articles to help you with your in-game strategy! However, at the same time, we love to bring you some fun and laughs and allow you to get to know the people in the community better as well!

Player Spotlight: Jozie

Make sure you check out this month’s player Spotlight on Jozie! She is a bright ray of sunshine that brings a smile to the face of everyone that knows her. Hear more about her and her time in Mobile Strike in her Profile.

Player Spotlight: Jozie

War and Community in Mobile Strike

Speaking of Community, we have a great article that explores the type of players you will find in Mobile Strike. From the Rule makers to the trolls, we all play our own unique part in the community. Enjoy the memes and let us know who you are.

War and Community in Mobile Strike