Booth Babes...

Necuno

Necuno

The Piper
...JIMQUISITION

http://www.escapistmagazine.com/videos/view/jimquisition/6436-Booth-Babes

The punditry of the videogame community have been chatting an awful lot about booth babes this past year or so.

There are those wanting them banished from events such as E3 and the Eurogamer Expo, and staunchly defending their existence.

Does either side really have the right to start dispensing mandates over what jobs can and cannot be available to people? And they are people, not just points on an arguer's scorecard.

The Jimquisition doesn't know. It does, however, stick its unwanted oar into the debate because it can.
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*shall watch this shortly*
 
Wasn't there an article about this earlier this year as well? I recall reading an article on MyGaming about this. In fact, I think it was by MyGaming.
 
Did something similar to this in a mall in the US. I didn't feel objectified, nor did I dislike doing it, for whatever that's worth.

I wasn't aware this was ever a problem, but after watching that video, there are some interesting points made for both sides. Something to ponder at least.

I remember on some site there was a video about some local TV show where an attractive girl, the host, was making fun of the people at RAGE (in a not-quite-so-subtle way). I guess this is the pervasive thought among "gaming" guys about what women think of them, so it stands to reason that they might think that "booth babes" at gaming events are affecting their enthusiastic, flirty attitudes with the guys there, while really thinking of them as "nerds", or worse. I can see why that would make some insecure people uncomfortable.
 
I especially liked the part where he said the majority of people saying there isn't a problem here aren't even female. It rings pretty true. In pretty much every thread about sexism in the gaming industry we had here there would be one or two male individuals either arguing fiercely that there are no issues or ridiculing those of us who think there are issues.

For me the issue with booth babes is that they add nothing to the experience, and merely detract from it. I have nothing personal against models. I think it's an odd choice of career, but it's a career and far be it for me to judge. However, I feel that a gaming expo is no place for scantily-clad models who probably haven't played a game in their life.

I don't feel uncomfortable about booth babes because I'm scared of what they're really thinking underneath their fake smiles, I am uncomfortable because of what this implies of me - that the expo hosts and promoters will be more successful in getting me interested in their product if there are sexy women about. As a gay gamer, I not only feel uncomfortable, but it makes me feel that the expo is marketed towards a demographic that I am not a part of; that is, single heterosexual males.

I'm rather glad the issue is getting so much attention, because I'd much prefer gaming expos to stop using sex and outdated stereotypes as the driving force for their marketing.
 
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That's an argument that inevitably crops up in every booth babe discussion, and it's not a particularly good argument. Cosplayers and booth babes are two entirely separate things. Cosplayers do so out of personal choice and their love for gaming; booth babes are there because they form part of a sexualized marketing strategy aimed at one specific demographic, arguably to the detriment of others.
 
Graal said:
That's an argument that inevitably crops up in every booth babe discussion, and it's not a particularly good argument. Cosplayers and booth babes are two entirely separate things. Cosplayers do so out of personal choice and their love for gaming; booth babes are there because they form part of a sexualized marketing strategy aimed at one specific demographic, arguably to the detriment of others.
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It was a question not a presented argument.
 
Booth babes at gaming conventions/expo's was always a bad idea IMO. I mean there are many gamers that have never had any serious contact with a female and will feel very shy/awkward/uncomfortable standing next to one. For me they spoil the whole experience of standing in a game booth. When I'm standing in the Gears of War booth I want to look at the demos and posters etc, not some half naked woman that I have no interest in. I mean I don't mind a half naked chick with a nice ass and a pair of D's (no disrespect meant) at a party ( or even at my house for that matter haha) but at gaming conventions...no thanks, no thanks. Just my (maybe stupid) opinion.
 
Graal said:
That's an argument that inevitably crops up in every booth babe discussion, and it's not a particularly good argument. Cosplayers and booth babes are two entirely separate things. Cosplayers do so out of personal choice and their love for gaming; booth babes are there because they form part of a sexualized marketing strategy aimed at one specific demographic, arguably to the detriment of others.
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What is the difference then if a vendor employs a cosplayer at their stand?

For example I'm with Terminal Reality / Majesco and instead of just using a 'mercenary' I get someone that's into cosplay to pose as Rayne. The separation is then someone just dressed sexy VS someone in a sexy costume ? I would think it's part of the fun to have characters in your game at your stand, would you not ?

I'm trying to understand the line that's been drawn here which seems a bit confusing (random 4):

1) Magazine cover model
2) Someone on the beach
3) Booth babe
4) Cosplay person

Now if all four are cladly dressed, isn't it the same thing even though 1,2 and 4 are doing it because they love/want to? There's quite a few cosplays that would make me want to sleep with them the same way that just booth babes would, same with mag covers or people at the beach.

Just curious :)
 
Is it really sexist if the girls wanna do that stuff and get paid for it?? Especially since they're taking part in our gaming event and can probably enjoy themselves if any of them do have the gamer in them. :)
 
Lets get one thing straight...

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Pr⊕phet said:
What is the difference then if a vendor employs a cosplayer at their stand?

For example I'm with Terminal Reality / Majesco and instead of just using a 'mercenary' I get someone that's into cosplay to pose as Rayne. The separation is then someone just dressed sexy VS someone in a sexy costume ? I would think it's part of the fun to have characters in your game at your stand, would you not ?

I'm trying to understand the line that's been drawn here which seems a bit confusing (random 4):

1) Magazine cover model
2) Someone on the beach
3) Booth babe
4) Cosplay person

Now if all four are cladly dressed, isn't it the same thing even though 1,2 and 4 are doing it because they love/want to? There's quite a few cosplays that would make me want to sleep with them the same way that just booth babes would, same with mag covers or people at the beach.

Just curious :)
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The problem comes in when they are there simply as a cheap marketing gimmick, which boothbabes are. They're employed simply because their employers think having half-naked girls standing around helps them promote their product.

When employing boothbabes, the key lies in the presentation. Are they scantily clad to fit the theme of the booth, or are they scantily clad because 'sex sells?'
 
Graal said:
The problem comes in when they are there simply as a cheap marketing gimmick, which boothbabes are. They're employed simply because their employers think having half-naked girls standing around helps them promote their product.

When employing boothbabes, the key lies in the presentation. Are they scantily clad to fit the theme of the booth, or are they scantily clad because 'sex sells?'
Click to expand...

You didn't answer the question.
 
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