„I’m a simple man: I see Rapinoe, I press dislike“ – Die diskursive Aushandlung der Einführung von Spielerinnen im Videospiel EA FC 24

Abstract

“I’m a simple man: I see Rapinoe, I press dislike” – The discursive negotiation of the introduction of female players in the video game EA FC 24
Using critical discourse analysis according to Jäger (2012), this article examines misogynistic and sexist statements on the integration of female soccer players in the video game EA FC (formerly FIFA) in the game mode “Ultimate Team”. Comments on the information platform Futbin.com in the period from September 2023 (announcement of the introduction of female players into the game) to September 2024 (end of the game cycle) serve as the data basis. The theoretical framing is provided by Kate Manne’s (2019) concepts of misogyny and sexism and Raewyn Connell’s theory of hegemonic masculinity (2015 [1999]). The analysis shows that the introduction of female players met with massive resistance in the predominantly male gaming community. This was expressed in sexist arguments that postulated the natural inferiority of women, as well as in misogynistic statements against female gamers such as Megan Rapinoe, who questioned patriarchal norms. The article also explores the question of how criticism of misogyny and sexism can be formulated in a digital space of male hegemony.
Keywords: Sexism, critical discourse analysis, football, video games, EA FC/FIFA

Bibliography: Spickermann, Lena/Merkel, Ole: „I’m a simple man: I see Rapinoe, I press dislike“ – Die diskursive Aushandlung der Einführung von Spielerinnen im Videospiel EA FC 24, FuG – Zeitschrift für Fußball und Gesellschaft, 1-2024, pp. 69-82.