Do you ever choose an avatar of the opposite gender when playing RPGs? I often choose a female avatar (e.g. Pokemon), but just because I can, I don't intend it to mean anything. Is it just me ? Have you ever tried voice chat when doing so? Do people online treat you differently? There's been some research that males are more helpful and even charitable towards female avatars but tend to respect them less - even though it shouldn't matter. Have you found this?

I played a chick in EQ because people gave me free (really good) stuff and money just in hopes that I really was a woman and that I would be their friend.

In FFXI I played a chick but that's only because I wanted to be a Mithra (Manthra FTW!). What was scary about that game was that you would get crazy stalker people that wouldn't leave you alone even after you told them you were a dude.

I did play WoW for far too long. My main character was male, however I had an alt that I did play often that was a female character. People would go out of their way to help my female toon, but were reluctant to help my Male toon. Well that was as far as those outside my guild. I'd get free things, as well as dirty pm's from some people who assumed I was female or in hopes that I was a female.

I don't see any problems with choosing an avatar that is female if you are male. That is your preference, and if you are playing a game for hours on end and have to look at your character, it's easier if the toon is at least pleasing to look at.

actually, here's my thought

when actually preffering to play a man above a woman when you are a guy, doesn't that make you look gay if you think about it (nothing against gays ofc)

So that's why i always play girls when playing MMO's or stuff like that, seems logical eh

I think using a female avatar shows you are treating the game like a game rather than an alternative life.

I mainly create Male avatars. But once in a while, I do like to create a hot looking female, so that I get to see her cute behind running around ::grin::. Oh, and getting the free stuff is a plus too.

I know where you are coming from, I always pick females if given the option, except Harvest Moon for obvious reasons.

It generally doesn't make any difference to me unless there is some kind of stat difference. And often I'll play both (Mega Man ZX, for instance)

In WoW I've played both genders pretty much equally. If I play a female I do it just for the looks. I feel more comfortable socially when I play a male though. When playing a female I tend to be more cousious as to what I say and do. I never, ever do /flirt or /dance as a female character as just the thought of some teenage boy on the opposite side of the world getting turned on by my actions brings chills down my spine.

I usually choose females, don't ask me why, but I have certainly noticed a lot more kindness directed my way when i do, i even once got someone i didn't know (off or online) to tank for me for about 2hrs in WoW