There are two kinds of girls at E3

A woman gamer meditates on the profesional women who man the E3 booths.

But are guys really content with a beautiful face? Many seem to demand more. Inquiring minds want to know (and often ask): “Booth babe, do you game?” There are, of course, certain gamers who throw out the question because they’re genuinely interested in hearing about these hotties’ lives. For most however, the question is just one more element of the fantasy. Men don’t want to hear the truthful answer, “No, not really,” or, “When I was younger, but not anymore.” They’re looking for, “Of course, I play all the time!” or, “You’re addicted to World of Warcraft? Oh my God, me too!” Gamers are hoping to be able to attach a sexy face to the other side of a distant screen, to combine their attraction to games and to “real” girls. Beyond the fascination, asking helps alleviate some of the guilt of gawking; if guys believe the scantily-clad women in front of them are gamers, it’s easier for them to forget that those same women, who seem so enthusiastic, are actually being paid.

Read the whole essay by Bonnie Ruberg: Booth babes: What’s not to like? One girl gamer attempts to tackle the issues without spoiling the party…