Two hundred twenty-five console video game covers obtained from online retail sites were examined for portrayals of men and
women. We hypothesized that males would be portrayed more often, but that females would be portrayed in a more hyper-sexualized
manner. Male characters were almost four times more frequently portrayed than female characters and were given significantly
more game relevant action. However, in spite of their less frequent appearance, female characters were more likely to be portrayed
with exaggerated, and often objectified, sexiness. Further, violence and sexiness was paired more frequently for female characters
than violence and muscular physiques for the male characters. The potential influence these negative portrayals could have
on gamers is discussed.
Keywords Stereotypes - Sex roles - Video games