Interview [Issue 27] In The Community Spotlight: The Tankladies

[hogree 4,179]

 
It's the return of In The Community Spotlight, 11 issues on from the last episode. We have with us a very special bunch of interviewees this time round. We welcome to the spotlight... The Tankladies!
 
As we all know, Tanki is predominantly played by guys, but the playerbase of the female population is growing very quickly. Though this interview may have been impossible to make a couple of years ago, we now have more than enough girls in the English Community, and I thought it was high time that there be an all-female interview. Today, we have the pleasure of meeting 6 of the most well-known tankladies that form part of the English Community. Our six females interviewees today are -  (jzjyv), , @Meliora (Selena12121), (Mia786786), @CooperO and @hockeygirl! 
 
Note: In order not to oversize the interview, a selection of the interviewees' answers were chosen for the second, third and fourth questions.
 
Hey. Could you firstly each tell us a bit about yourself and who you are?
 
jzjyv: Hi there Hog! I am Jayani, a 25 year old Sri Lankan hobbyist gamer; also known as jz, a shortened version of my in-game name, jzjyv (a random group of letter with no real meaning). When you don’t see me online killing tanks you will find me either designing electronic circuits or making sure students don’t end up blowing up the electronics labs at the University I instruct in.
 
Mrs.Dreyar: Of course. My name is Meg. I'm 17. Born in Wales, grew up in Texas, US and now I live in South London, UK. I'm still in school, Sixth Form or Year 13. I'm doing my best to complete my A levels next year. On Tanki, I'm formally known as Tanki_Barbie and I have been gaming here for nearly 2 years.  
 
Selena12121: Well, I'm Selena, or otherwise known as Sel. I'm from London in the UK, where all the magic happens :P. I've been on Tanki for two and a half years (will be three in December) so I've witnessed quite a lot of Tanki's changes, as well as being a Reporter for a short period of time. Outside of the game, I'm very laid back - I enjoy writing, languages (a lot) and bike riding.  
 
hockeygirl: I'm 14 and live in USA. I have been playing Tanki for over a year now and normally play daily. My real name is Erin.
 
Mia786786: Hi guys, just wanted to say I'm happy to be here and share a bit of me with the rest of you :D My name is Milica, though most of you know me as Mia for short, since my nickname is Mia786786. I was born and raised in Podgorica, Montenegro, and that is where I currently live and study. I'm eighteen, and am currently completing my fourth and last year of Economic Highschool, majoring in Banking.
 
CooperO: I live in the Netherlands and I'm 24 years old. I've been playing this game for over 2.5 years now. I started playing because my younger brother introduced me to this game, we have played many battles together.  
 
I'm sure there are some people out there that find it strange that girls play a game like Tanki. What's kept you playing?
 
Mrs.Dreyar: Well, I came looking for a distraction. My grandfather was dying at this time when I first joined Tanki Online. It certainly took my mind off the subject and this lifted the heavy weight off my shoulders. During this time, I've made friends and from then, I've stuck to this game and eventually became addicted.
 
CooperO: It is true that there are many more guys in this game than girls, but when playing that doesn't make a difference. Over time I've made friends in this game, they make it more fun to play. One of the main reasons I'm still playing is because of one player in particular, @I3est. I don't have any more ranks to reach or items to unlock, but I enjoy battling and spending my time with him.
 
Selena12121: Couldn't agree more. It's funny how so many people (and even up to this point) think I'm a boy pretending to be a girl just because of the nature of this game. Funnily enough, there are now just as many female gamers as male. Anyway, the simplicity of the game kept me going, and the ever-present will to reach Marshal and later Generalissimo. The community is also a large part of why I'm still here - I would have quit a long while ago had it not been for the friends I'd made.
 
hockeygirl: Mostly the people I have met throughout the game and friends I have made is the reason I still play. I also still enjoy battling and ranking up. However I wouldn't have the same motivation to keep playing without friends. :)
 
Mia786786: In my opinion, it doesn't matter whether you are a boy or a girl. If you are a gamer and you like some game, you will just go and play it. I'm a very active girl. The reason I was first interested in Tanki is because I love action, I love guns and explosions, and I loved Tanki. And even though after a while the excitement of the fight started wearing off, I had made so many friends, that I really couldn't just leave the game. Not to forget to mention that I played almost all famous games such as Assassin's Creed, Lineage, Call of Duty, Counter Strike, World of Warcraft, Resident Evil, Need for Speed, GTA, etc. But I found Tanki the most addictive game just because you can never get bored of playing with friends (and you keep making new friends every day).
 
What are some of your best and worst memories of your time in Tanki?
 
Mia786786: So many memories. I once made my own Facebook page, and filled it with fun active people, and we were closer to a family than just a group of gamers. We would play together, rank together, participate in and help each other with contests together, and each of those events is a memory I hold dear. Here I met my soulmate with whom I am, till this today, trying to make some good changes in our community on Tanki Forum. I don't have so many bad memories. I once lost my second account, which was actually my high-ranked account, and I was extremely sad about it, but even that didn't stop me from staying in the community and making new friends.
 
jzjyv: I wouldn’t call this my worst memory but the only bad thing that happened to me was when someone managed to access account and did everything possible to get it banned forever. Luckily, I had never shared my account and could easily (I should put this word in capslock) prove that someone else had logged in without my consent to the technical team at Tanki so I got my account back and unbanned straight away. Best would be all the fun and interesting times I have with all the members in the clan I lead (Counter Strike) and winning an English Community clan tournament (Dream Team Junior) in 2014.
 
Mrs.Dreyar: Best memories have got to be meeting new friends. From my first clan, I have made amazing friends. We learnt a lot about each other, we joked around and supported each other in battles. Also in this clan, this was when my Tanki-Husband chose the moment to stalk me and insist that I'd be his! He may be a nutter but I enjoyed this moment tremendously and I still do. Worst memories, one word: Bullies. Just be happy that we can take a screen and post it to violators topic.
 
Selena12121: One of my highlights would be my time as a Reporter. Being able to write and it being appreciated by others was very enjoyable for me. I didn't have the job for very long however - with a bit more time I think my work would have had the ability to improve. Earlier this year I won quite a few contests (namely the photoshop, comic captions and video guides contests) so crystals and other prizes were never far away :D, although not without the help of . My worst memory would have to be the aggravating amount of bans, rather peculiar in nature, I received around this time last year and the drama that came with it. However, that is the past now - shan't dwell on that any longer.
 
What's your look on some of the past updates in Tanki?
 
CooperO: Some updates that I really like are the friend system and the new server switcher. One of the updates I'm not that fond of is the introduction of microupgrades, mainly because it's impossible to see who is driving around with some M4 equipment and who isn't. I haven't made up my mind yet about the Smart Cooldowns update, I'm not a drugger, but it's much harder now to tell if your enemies are drugging or not and if I want to drug back, I still like to be able to use all my drugs.
 
Mia786786: I'm not a particular fan of many of the recent updates, from the Balance Finalization where all the stats were changed, to the recent Smart Cooldowns and general box redesigns, but it seems like Tanki is just moving along their planned course without looking sideways, so there doesn't seem to be much that I can do.
 
hockeygirl: The most recent update, smart cooldowns, was not a bad one for me. Even though it completely changes drugging, it also requires more skill then just pressing 234. The only downside is now probably less buyers for Tanki, so less money for them.
 
jzjyv: I easily adopt to changes and accept most updates in a positive way; if any of the updates put me at a disadvantage I try to be resourceful and join battles where I am not that affected by them. For example the introduction of microupgrades put me at a disadvantage, when it was first introduced as I am not a buyer and was saving up for m3 guns and hulls. However, this update didn’t make me lose interest on Tanki; on the contrary, thanks to this update I discovered a whole new world of pro battles, which got me even more hooked on Tanki.
 
Apart from Tanki, what are some of your interests and hobbies?
 
hockeygirl: I play ice hockey and run for my school's cross country team outside of Tanki. Sports take up most of my time besides school. I also enjoy drawing and other arts occasionally.
 
Selena12121: As aforementioned, I love languages - I find it intriguing to see their patchwork (especially that of German - although its grammar is hard, there are no exceptions and it is based mostly on logic and maths, both of which I like) and just how different it is to English. I also enjoy exploring the wonderful land that is England. As well as visiting London's landmarks, I do enjoy having a nice bike ride through parks, visiting the beaches in South England, spending a weekend in tents with no internet ;( or just going to a theme park.
 
jzjyv: I like to keep myself very busy all the time. I like to hike, swim, do some photography, dance or watch a movie. I am also interested in tasting food and listening to music from different countries in the world.
 
Mrs.Dreyar: As I mentioned above, I go to school. My subject this year is Italian and unfortunately I have to take double lessons so every day I'm learning Italian. Uhh.. Mi piace il cibo italiano! I'm interested in their food, culture and the language. I went to Rome twice. Both times we went to watch rugby. Being a Welsh person, I am a big fan of the rugby. I support Wales. And another thing, I love reading. I have a little library in my room. I chose to study English Literature at school. I read plays, some classic books and anything from horror to tear jerker books. Honestly I'm a book nerd!
 
Mia786786: I am being a volunteer in 'Food Bank' organisation in my country. We collect food for people who need it. I also am a member in 'American Corner'. This is place where you can learn so many things about American culture. Here they offer lectures, movie screenings (mostly documentaries), reading clubs and discussions and program for children. I especially love working with children.
 
CooperO: I love reading books, the bigger the better. Other than that I like animals and in particular horses, so horseriding is one of my hobbies. Also I enjoy watching a good movie or TV series.
 
Any parting words you have for the girls (or guys!) of the English Community?
 
jzjyv: Have fun and don’t take a win or loss way to seriously. Winning a battle might make you happy for a moment and losing might get you so mad you can punch a wall; but remember Tanki is just a just game after all so don’t let a win or loss affect you to the point where you are unpleasant to the people that know you in game or in real life.
 
Mrs.Dreyar: Sure! I have something for both. Tank girls! No matter how harsh what these boys say are to you, ignore them. Don't let them bring you down. If you love gaming, then continue to play! And for the tank boys. Don't ask girls why are they on TO, this annoys us. They like gaming just as much as you do.
 
CooperO: Don't let others get you down and enjoy playing this game - but don't forget to enjoy great things outside of this game too.
 
Selena12121: "aut viam inveniam aut faciam" - a Latin phrase meaning "I will either find a way or make one" - I think it pretty much sums up my personality, and it reminds you never to let anything hold you back.
 
hockeygirl: Don't put girl in your name... bai.
 
Mia786786: If you have goals, then follow them. Beginning is always the hardest part. You may get a lot of hate, but the more hate you get, the more sure you can be that you are doing it the right way. When they realize what a fighter you are, they will not only start appreciating what you do, but will also support you. And then you will know that you've succeeded.
 
Thanks so much to our interviewees for taking the time to take part in this interview! Feel free to ask them questions below, and I'm sure some of them will answer. 
 
Thanks for reading!
 

 
 
Thanks to Therider and Remaine for their contributions in suggesting interviewees.

Edited July 31, 2017 by Hexed

[Remaine 4,687]

No problem; great questions with great answers. Nice job, Hog.

[Truthteller 4,204]

Nice Interveiw, well done.

Edited October 3, 2014 by Truthteller

[lordmostafa 3,821]

Amazing, as always.

Work of art m8 (referring to some article you made :ph34r:)

[blackopspaul 753]

Great work Hog!

[I.Devastation 2,053]

nice, maybe another question or 2 would be good. you should consider doing more in the community spot lights in other issues for males, veterans, newbies, high ranks, low ranks etc IK half of these topics are boring ok

[MA3CTPO_HA_XAHTEP 832]

Great interview!

[HichigoShiiro 4,378]

 

Mrs.Dreyar: Best memories have got to be meeting new friends. From my first clan, I have made amazing friends. We learnt a lot about each other, we joked around and supported each other in battles. Also in this clan, this was when my Tanki-Husband chose the moment to stalk me and insist that I'd be his! He may be a nutter but I enjoyed this moment tremendously and I still do. Worst memories, one word: Bullies. Just be happy that we can take a screen and post it to violators topic.

 

:wub:

[naca7 143]

Great Job!

[Alklines 1,751]

Good read!

 

 

 

 

 

all i haz to say

[FaaiqBilal1 795]

And you forgot to ask them about chicken?!

[Mr.I3oSS 557]

bydolord: Well the worst ones I refuse to say.. for the best ones meeting players and enjoying their stories about school and life and just joking around brings a smile to my face...

 

:rolleyes: :wub:

Ty for Mentioning

Good Article hog ^_^ 

[r_Mia1 8,513]

Looking great! ^_^

[Duchess 741]

And you forgot to ask them about chicken?!

I like chicken ^_^

 

Good article Hog :)

[l.Godmode_0N 636]

nice post......gud choice hog for not leaving the girls alone :D 

[The_PlayMaker 657]

I am in the hitlist of most of the girls here *Feeling Special* :c

[Shadowcon 13]

bydolord: Well good one mom......  ;) 

Edited October 7, 2014 by Shadowcon

[r_davinson46463a0 147]

Hhmmmm.... :rolleyes:

[Atakhan 1,229]

good job hog :)

[Canadian_Bandit 81]

 Am a female tanker to and am going on 55 years of age .

I also been here just shy of a year ;) tank on lady tankers. :)

And I am  The Co - Leader - Owner  of the Rusty Relics Clan

(RR)

Edited October 7, 2014 by Canadian_Bandit

[fufususumumu2 1]

Are there really these few girls in the game? Or these are the famous ones?

Still don't know why girls in general don't play video games

[LaLisa_My_Queen 271]

I love it :)

[The.Skilled.Legend 1,459]

Nice Interview.

[JJ554 155]

Over/Under each girl received 20 creepy pms since this was posted  :P

[red_tank_the_best 300]

This article is great untill gives opinion..