I've played both genders in my decades of playing MMOs, but I would have to say that most of my characters have been female. Of course, there's the fact that they usually wind up looking better, at least in my eyes. However, there's also the challenge of playing a gender you're not, as well as getting an idea of how things are on the other side of the fence. As someone who's done writing as a hobby in the past, I also find it helpful in improving how I write female characters, though it's not always a perfect tool for that.
It can be a bit tricky when it comes to ERP however. I've done it in the past, though I haven't been involved with it in the past few years at least (and not certain if I'd get back into it again). It's a tricky matter trying to figure out if you're acting and reacting as the opposite gender would in intimate situations, or as you fantasizing how they would do so instead. And of course, there's the risk of things getting messy if you let on to your RL gender in a haphazard or ill-thought-out manner.
Having read through this thread, I must say that this has been the most mature discussion of the topic I've seen in a long time. Too many other places, when the topic of playing the opposite gender comes up, it usually and quickly devolves into people passing judgement on others for the way they enjoy RPGs that seems icky and perverted in their eyes. I'm glad that this is getting a much more level-headed discussion here in this community!
It can be a bit tricky when it comes to ERP however. I've done it in the past, though I haven't been involved with it in the past few years at least (and not certain if I'd get back into it again). It's a tricky matter trying to figure out if you're acting and reacting as the opposite gender would in intimate situations, or as you fantasizing how they would do so instead. And of course, there's the risk of things getting messy if you let on to your RL gender in a haphazard or ill-thought-out manner.
Having read through this thread, I must say that this has been the most mature discussion of the topic I've seen in a long time. Too many other places, when the topic of playing the opposite gender comes up, it usually and quickly devolves into people passing judgement on others for the way they enjoy RPGs that seems icky and perverted in their eyes. I'm glad that this is getting a much more level-headed discussion here in this community!
