Clementine aged 8 in Season 1 of Telltale Game’s The Walking Dead. Photo Credit: https://walkingdead.fandom.com/wiki/Clementine_(Video_Game)_Gallery

That feeling of wonder as you explore a beautiful landscape you’ve never seen before.

That feeling of triumph when you crack that puzzle you’ve been working on for hours.

That feeling of camaraderie when you and your friends finally beat that formidable boss.

Those feelings are why I game!

As a young girl, I always felt a bit isolated in my video gaming habits. None of my other girl friends gamed and most games seemed to be targeted at boys. Nowadays, the gaming industry is becoming more and more accessible to young female gamers. Strong, independent female leads are now emerging in award winning video games. Two examples are Lara Croft in the rebooted Tomb Raider series and Aloy from Horizon Zero Dawn.

My favourite story and most inspirational girl from the gaming world would have to be Clementine from Telltale Games’ The Walking Dead. This is a great coming of age story for Clementine. Aged only 8 in the beginning, she has to grow up in a cruel world overrun by zombies. In situations where the adults are arguing, Clementine keeps a level head, solves problems and brings people together. She trusts in her own values while bravely facing dangers head on, even though she loses so much to the post-apocalyptic world. Clementine represents a strong, independent heroine in video gaming. She is a character that can be identified with by any girl, and who teaches valuable life lessons. Her positive influence for young girls makes me proud to be a gamer girl of today.    

While at University, I discovered Dungeons & Dragons (or D&D). For nearly two years, my friends and I played several D&D campaigns. Each time we tried a different one we had the chance to develop a different character. I have been a shapeshifting rogue, a dragonborn fighter and a half-elf ranger! The world of fantasy brought to life through D&D was a truly fun experience to share with my friends. I used to live for our evenings saving stranded villagers, or discovering dazzling treasures, or just getting into mischief! D&D was a great way to bring our friendship group closer together and escape from our stressful University work.     

Gaming can be whatever you want it to be, from friendly fun to captivating campaigns. It is a great way to explore somewhere new, test your problem solving or ignite your imagination. I love gaming for its versatility and escapism from everyday life, be that on your own or with a great group of friends!

– Charlotte Jordan
Junior Girl
Girl Museum Inc.

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