Since I've looked serveral times and could not find any sites that directly read the history of women (girls, ladies, ladyfolk) in videogames I've decided to take the liberty and make my own (to the best of my abilities) since this is something I'm doing myself I'm sure they'll be plenty of mistakes that will eventually get someone upset so instead of getting angry just tell me I'll look into it and promply change the mistake! Here we go:


1981

Created by Shigeru Miyamoto Donkey Kong is credited as being the begining of the "Save the Princess" era where your job as "Jump-Man" later renamed mario is to save his girlfriend later named "Paullina" who is now known as "Princess Peach" from a barrel throwing monkey.

Originally born as a boot legged copy of Pac-Man named "Crazy Otto" created by programmers at General Computer Corporation (GCC) Ms. Pac-Man may be the first game to feature a female as a main character. Suprised by the quality of the game GCC created they contacted Midway, who impatient for a sequel to Pac-Man quickly released Ms. Pac-Man in 1981.

1983

Dani Bunten Berry (Feb. 19, 1949 - July 3, 1998) becomes possibly the most reknowned female computer game designer of her time.

1985

Thrya the Valkyrie is a playable character in a 1 - 4 player game named "Gauntlet"

1986

Metroid is released and features a fully playable female heroine. Although in the intruction manual and throughout the game you are led to believe that she is a male cyborg until the end of the game in which based on the level of completion you get to see Samus Aran (metroid) in varying levels of clothing.

1987

The Legend of Zelda is released and is still today one of the most popular titles under Nintendo. Zelda being the princess the main character is tring to rescue.

The first Final Fantasy is released and unknowingly starts what many consider the biggest movement in RPG gaming several female characters are available. (Maria, Leila, Hilda)

1988

Super Mario Brothers 2 is released late 1988 giving women everywhere a chance to finally play as Princess Peach although many are unhappy with the lack of effort put into her character.

Phantasy Star is released staring Alisa Landeel as the main character whos quest is to take on her brothers goal of defeating La Shiec and avenge his death. Alisa's first companion is her talking cat Myau.

1991

Street Fighter 2 is released with such playable characters as the popular Chun Li considered the first female character in a fighting game. Also the only female character in the game.

1994

Final Fantasy VI released in America as Final Fantasy III features Terra Brandford as the main protagonist. Some consider this the best of the series.

1996

Tomb Raider is released. Lara Croft a female archaeologist sets off on one of the most memorable adventures for the Playstation. Many women are upset over the over sexual use in the design of Lara.

2000

The Sims, Resident Evil Code: Veronica, Perfect Dark, Diablo II, Dead or Alive 2 all feature a strong female cast. Slowly the gender bridge is being crossed as more and more games begin to feature female protagonists. The Sims boasts some of the highest turn outs for female players.

2003

Released in 2003 Final Fantasy X-2 features an entire cast of females in which no male characters are playable. Noted as the only Final Fantasy to ever follow a previous title with a continued story line to date.

2007

Tysen starts a myspace group supporting females in the gaming world and turns his group into the largest group on myspace (I rock)


So now that I've given about 2 hours (don't worry I did some other stuff) to the computer you have a timeline of ladyfolk in the gaming world and you better damn well appriciate it! - Tysen
O - If anyone wants pictures I can try and dress it up a little just let me know!