Poll: Should we get rid of Booth Babes?

[callumsymons]

wtf

who gives a shit if games companies pay some chick to stand around and oggled if your not intrested just move on

it's a GAMES industry it's not meant to be taken seriously

 

[Woodsey]

I don't think we should get rid of them in fact they should probably have booth men as booth will never go awaya nd will always be there as ploys to try get people to their stand.

How else are you supposed to have sex? [small]Hehehe...[/small]

OT: More for God's sake, to counter all the actual gamers in there.

 

[Sonicron]

On the one hand it's kind of demeaning to both the booth chicks (basically being degraded to sweater meat on legs) and to the consumer base (hormone-controlled wallets), but then again high-grade car EXPOs and popular sports do the same thing, so you tell me if we need to get rid of booth babes or not.

 

[herpaderphurr]

It's embarrassing, that's all. Embarrassing for us, the gamers, and also for the "booth babes" themselves.

 

[The Maddest March Hare]

I think we should get rid of them. I know we won't. Sex appeal sells, it's as simple as that. Especially in a medium centred around teen boys. And, frankly, if the guys are desperate enough to think a picture of them with the hired girl is a good thing then we should just let them do it.

If I was coming back from a gaming convention with pictures of me with girls I met, I'd prefer the story behind them to be "look at this attractive gamer girl I met. We spoke for ages, took a picture and exchanged contact details. I made a hot friend!" rather than "look at this hot girl who was paid to stand next to me. I don't know her name and she seemed like she didn't know a thing about gaming. But look, I have my arm within 3 inches of her fake breasts!"

Sadly, the majority of teen men are driven entirely by hormones and their penis will swiftly guide them to the nearest attractive woman, even if she is only standing within 50 feet of them because of the money being waved at her.

 

[Kukakkau]

Meh not needed but it's an employment oppurtunity for them

 

[Ultrajoe]

Yes. They need to go. There is no argument. They are bad.

If you think otherwise, you are wrong.

 

[Sebenko]

No. They're a useful guide to good games.

It's the same with game boxes. If it has a woman on it who is even vaguely trying to be attractive, the game is shit and not worth your money.

 

[Denamic]

Get rid of them.
They do themselves or women in general no favours by making themselves look like idiots.
It'd be another thing if they actually knew anything about the games in question, but they never do.

 

[Juven Ignus]

If they know who they're dressed up as, and actually care about games, then I wouldn't mind it one bit. Otherwise, no thanks.

 

[RMcD94]

I think they're totally unnecessary. It doesn't bring anything to E3 and I've heard more than a few journalists mention they feel uncomfortable around them, which is not the way jounralists should feel while trying to experience and judge a game as it will taint the playing enviroment.

And getting uncomfortable around people simply because they are women shows maturity right?

 

[Metal Brother]

@likalaruku - I like "before" better. ;-)

Speaking as someone who attends (and works) 4 or 5 technical conferences each year, booth babes are a part of every such event, not just E3. They have nothing to do with "the world taking gamers seriously" and are an accepted part of marketing to a predominantly male audience.

And they're hot. They're like a palate cleanser after being surrounded by sweaty geeks all day.

 

[RMcD94]

I think they're totally unnecessary. It doesn't bring anything to E3 and I've heard more than a few journalists mention they feel uncomfortable around them, which is not the way jounralists should feel while trying to experience and judge a game as it will taint the playing enviroment.

And getting uncomfortable around people simply because they are women shows maturity right?

No, getting uncomfortable around woman in incredibly skimpy outfits and leather who are constanly leaning over you shows maturity. I never said 'simply because they're women.'

So, people shouldn't wear clothes you don't like near you. Also, leaning over you? How do you mean?

 

[SuccessAndBiscuts]

Yes. They need to go. There is no argument. They are bad.

If you think otherwise, you are wrong.

If you read this post in voice-sinth-robot speak its hilarious.

On topic: I don't know/care really, they do seem a bit contrived and "sex sells" but by the same token how do you qualify cheerleaders or the models at motor shows?

Meh, its a job for them. I hardly think its particularly degrading and what straight male doesn't enjoy looking at an attractive woman once in a while?

Its tough and like most things I think it should be taken on a case-by-case basis, as it stands leave them alone. Pretty girls need work too!

 

[Sigel]

How about we go for a one-year gag? Get a bunch of guys to dress up like booth babes.

I once saw a "It doesn't work this way" thing with a bunch of guys dressed as race queens making sexy poses on a car & it was hilarious.

Before:

After:

Ohhhh, ahhhh, work it baby, mama like.

TW-Schmeh, It is a job. If the girl doesn't want to be a booth babe, she doesn't have to be one. Most of the booth babes I have talked to at conventions are nice and actually know a lot about the product they are barely clad for.

 

[Outright Villainy]

It's a bit ridiculous really, especially when it's so common. It needs to be seriously cut down or dropped altogether, the notion that all gamers are sex crazed teenage boys, and games should be shown accordingly is a little insulting. I mean, there's loads of them!

 

[TheYellowCellPhone]

As far as I know (and hope) these girls aren't being forced to work there. It allows them to have a job, even if it is a very shitty one.

I'm sort of indifferent, but I'd prefer they stay.

 

[DazZ.]

Booth babes are awesome.
If they aren't happy being there they don't need to be.