In this week's Community Spotlight, we focus on the thread, "Poll: Do you play male or female characters?" by IG-88.

Since MMO´s let us enter an alternate reality and be what we normally not are, heroes, villains etc i was wondering what gender you enjoy playing, since you have a free choice.

Zierrity's answer depends on the quality of character creation:

For me, it all comes down to how my character looks. if I'm unhappy with the customization options for male characters, I usually roll female and vice versa. Then there's what looks best for different classes, what role I think fits the story, (if a story driven game), et cetera, et cetera.

I rarely think about what kind of "ass" I'm staring at, as for me, it's basically a bunch of pixels :P 

The only thing thast ticks me off, is if a MMO don't give me the option of choosing for myself, (Gender locked classes for example).

Mickle obliges us one of the most common answers to this question:

For many years I always played a male.  Then one day a friend of mine was playing a female.  I asked why and he told me this.  Would you rather look at a guys a$$ or a females a$$ while you play?  I now play a female.

Also, around that time, I read that female characters get stuff for free.  I have found that to be true.  I have been given many items for free just because i looked good.  They could hear me in vent and knew I was a male but still gave me free stuff.

I will always play a female character for those two reasons.

For Brenelael, it depends on the class:

You are missing the option for both. I play male fighter types and female rogues and mages. To me at least those roles seem more natural. A male in robes just doesn't look right to me personally. Also females seem to be more naturally adept at being sneaky little backstabers as well(Sorry ladies). When it comes to big burly fighter types I always choose a male character just because it looks right to me. I'm not trying to be sexist or anything like that. In real life I strongly believe in equallity but in a fantasy world I view things a little differently.

I'll play either. It all depends on my concept for the character. Even though I no longer actively role-play with other players in MMOs, I do try to think up a concept for my character in most games and I'll pick their gender accordingly. I love Frank Frazetta style tough female characters and so in games like Age of Conan I'll roll a female Cimmerian Barbarian, for example.

Do you play male or female characters? Both? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below!