Man vs. woman: Let's play 'Dead or Alive 4'

ByABC News
December 10, 2007, 8:01 PM

— -- Video-game promoters are trumpeting a Battle of the Sexes: the top male and female fighters face off on Dead or Alive 4 Thursday, part of this week's Championship Gaming Series in Los Angeles. The winner gets a Katana sword and a trip to Tokyo. The battle airs on DirecTV (11:30 p.m. ET/8:30 PT) and live on www.theCGS.com. USA TODAY gives the tale of the tape.

Ryan "Offbeat Ninja" Ward, 19, Edmonton, Alberta; member of the Carolina Core professional team and first-place winner in several DOA4 competitions.

Q: Why did you choose to play Dead or Alive 4?

A: I randomly picked this game up three years ago. I really enjoyed it originally just for the fun of it. Then I saw they had these online tournaments and entered a couple for the fun of it, and I wound up winning some. I realized I could compete in it and do well. When I saw that this game was in the CGS, I felt like it was the perfect opportunity to get paid to do what you love.

Q: Why do men make better video game players?

A: It seems like, in general, men have more dedication to games and will play them a lot longer. And it seems like it's easier for men to grasp the intricacies of games. They understand why the game works and why a certain move will lead to another move. Males, in general, are more competitive, too. When we play a game, we always want to be the best, even when we are playing a game like Mario Party. We always like to win, regardless.

Q: Are you representing your entire gender in this match?

A: It does parallel that (Bobby Riggs vs. Billie Jean King tennis match) a little bit and, especially for (North America), I feel like I am representing all the male DOA players. Right now, I am top ranked, so if I were to lose to Vanessa somehow, it would mean she would be better than all the males in Region 1.

Q: What do your girlfriend and women friends think about the match? Are they rooting for or against you?

A: Actually, my women friends are really rooting for me. I think, in general, all my friends want me to win. I don't have anybody that's wanting me to lose. At least they are not telling me. They might be secretly hoping.