PC-Chick.com Interviews GirlzClan!

What is girlzclan?

GirlzClan is an all-female team that has been in existance since 1999. It started out as a Half-Life clan, and has grown to include Counter-Strike, and Quake III.

Who started the clan? On what belief?

I believe the clan was started by a girl who went by the name “Sierra.” StarLight then took the clan over when she was the last active member left. She wanted to prove that there were other girls out there that played HL.

Did you believe girlzclan would get to be as successful as it has been?

When I joined GirlzClan, it was in 2000. It was already a presence in the HL community. I thought the clan was strong, and I’ve been so happy with how it has grown to become even stronger and such a mainstay in the gaming community.

What do you do in girlzclan?

I’m the co-leader 🙂

What games do the girls play?

A lot of our current girls play CS, and have never played HL. Personally I play Half-Life, and Counter-Strike. I also own Q3, but I haven’t had time to learn it yet.

How do you feel about the female gaming clan community today?

The female gaming community has become very close-knit. It seems that we are all very aware of each other, and for the most part, supportive. GirlzClan hosts Female Invasion nights where we get together with a bunch of female gamers, regardless of clans, and have a blast.

How do you think that other clans percieve you in general?

I don’t think we are necessarily looking for recognition because we are female. We just want to be respected as gamers, and not be put down or judged based on our gender. I think a lot of us have had negative experiences at times with male gamers. Some male gamers feel that female gamers have no business playing games. Some feel that we are invading their territory. Some judge us and make assumptions, jumping to conclusions. Other male gamers, do the opposite and put us up on a pedestal: which in turn, makes other male gamers feel even more against us.

Have things changed for female gamers since you got the chance to be with girlzclan?

Since I started playing HL in late 98/early 99, I think things have improved for female gamers. There is less bashing, less ignorance. I think the fact that we are a strong and visible presence in the gaming community, has encouraged females to feel more comfortable gaming, and has also made some of the guys more used to us being there – not so much of a novelty anymore. This is a good thing.

How many hours a week/day do you train?

I spend at least 2 nights/week gaming. Sometimes more, sometimes less.

What is your personal favorite game?

Half-Life 🙂

Do you feel you get the recognition you deserve? The respect you deserve?

Yes I feel that for the most part we are treated as any other gamer, but at times we are treated very crudely. These are the times that we appreciate each other the most. We all know what it’s like, and we are very supportive. It happens less than it used to, but it’s still out there. We aren’t looking to be respected more than male gamers, based on gender, but we are usually respected for being a great clan.

What does it take to be part of the clan?

To be a part of GirlzClan, to paraphrase what StarLight has put on our site, we are looking for not only skills, but also attitude. We want members who have the personality to get along with each other, to compromise, to respect each other and be dependable to participate in our events.

Do you consider clan gaming a sport?

I don’t consider it a physical sport, but yet it does require commitment and skills. It is more like a hobby to me.

Can you compare gaming to traditional sports?

A traditional sport requires that you attend practices, games, meetings, and keep up your skills. Being in a clan requires these things too.

Differences are: You don’t need to leave your home, and you don’t get a physical work out. There are co-ed sports teams, and there are all-male, and all-female sports teams. I think there are benefits to both ways, just as in online gaming.

Where do you see female gaming going in the next few years?

I see female gaming increasing in popularity as it gets more exposure. Gaming is fun, and traditionally it has been probably marketed more towards males, but in fact it is just as fun for females. I think female gamers will continue to prosper and become less unusual as we grow in numbers.

What about gaming in general?

I think as more and more people are using computers, are online, and as broadband becomes more and more the norm, people are going to look to gaming as a fun hobby to add to what they do to relax and have fun.