There’s a new show in town and it likes to talk about video games. Since MyGaming also likes to talk about games, we decided to catch up with bubbly Ster-Kinekor show presenter Stevie French to find out what the show is all about, and investigate her gaming credentials.
MG: Would you kindly introduce yourself to our readers.
SF: Hi, my name is Stevie French and before you ask, yes that is my real name as my mom was a hippy and a huge fan of Fleetwood Mac.
MG: What is the Ster-Kinekor show all about and what is your role on the show?
SF: The Ster-Kinekor Show is on SABC1 every Wednesday, Thursday and Friday night after the late night movie. We review movies, games and DVD releases from Ster-Kinekor Entertainment and cover cool events like movie premiers and gaming launches.
MG: Aside from presenting the Ster-Kinekor show, what else do you do?
SF: I am a sound engineer by day so when I’m not producing or editing ads and jingles, I spend my free time watching movies, trying out the new video games we’re reviewing, and playing Spider Solitaire. It’s a problem but I’m in a programme.
MG: What background do you have that makes you the right person to review games on the Ster-Kinekor show?
SF: To be honest, I am not as big a gamer as I used to be. I reckon my pre-teen self would murder modern-day-Stevie and her rusty thumb skills. But I think that is a plus. It’s no good being too technical in a review or having a recognisable bias. Our show caters to all gamers, new and old, experienced and rusty. I’m bringing gaming back to the people! Amandla!
MG: What is your gaming history?
SF: The first game I remember playing was my Gameboy (it was purple and kicked ass). I was probably 7 or 10 years old because I clearly remember playing Tarzan on my PS console when I was 11. I went through a big strategy phase after that with Jurassic Park: The Lost World and Empire.
MG: MyGaming has a fairly dedicated readership of core gamers. Do you think the gaming segment of the Ster-Kinkor show will appeal to them?’
SF: Definitely! We have all the latest in Ster-Kinekor gaming releases with highlights of the games including director diaries. We also attend some really cool premiers like the Killzone 3 launch, which was so sweet. There were 50-inch 3D TVs all over the place with the motion control guns. It was 3D gaming at its best!
MG: What do you envision for the future of the South African video gaming industry?
SF: South Africa is one of the most connected countries in the world with 60% of South African households having access to a cell phone and only 20% having a landline. I mean, 40% of South African adults have their own cell phone and the use of smart phones is only on the rise. I think you are always going to have dedicated gamers who play on the latest consoles but I think there is huge potential for growth in social networking spheres and cell phone gaming.
MG: Is it tough being a female gamer in a largely male dominated pastime?
SF: I think it’s tough for females who want to get into gaming. I think its intimidating looking at all these battle titles with guns and violence that are all too common in gaming today. But what we’re trying to do with the Ster-Kinekor show is show people that with gaming there is something for everyone! And with today’s technology it no longer has to be a solitary experience.
MG: What do you think needs to be done to alter the perception of video games mainly catering to the male market segment?
SF: These male-focused games look so tough because that’s what they are selling. But there is a lot of strategy and skill that’s needed to play these kind of games as well. I think shows like the Ster-Kinekor Show, with female presenters like myself, can lift the scary veil that some of these interesting and genuinely challenging games hide behind.
Quick Fire Questions
MG: The first game you ever played?
SF: Oh! Mini Mouse adventures on my Gameboy…or Lion King on my PC…AH! Pass!
MG: Five favourite games? (past and present).
SF: Spyro, Lion King, Empire, SIMs and Wii Sport (collectively)
MG: What are you playing at the moment?.
SF: KILLZONE…I’m trying to open my mind
MG: Favourite gaming platforms?
SF: Wii and PC.
MG: Call of Duty or Battlefield?
SF: Battlefield.
MG: Dragon Age or Mass Effect?
SF: Uuuuummmm…pass?
MG: Who would win a fight between Kratos and Scorpion?
SF: Now you’re just trying to make me look stupid!
Discuss the SterKinekor show in the MyGaming forums.
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