Abstract
Online gaming is an intergroup context described as a male- and straight-dominated environment where stereotypes persist. However, little is known about how sexual orientation stereotypes shape perceptions of male co-players, particularly whether disclosing one's orientation affects judgments and co-playing intentions in stereotypically masculine versus feminine games. We asked 191 participants to evaluate a stereotypical gay or stereotypical heterosexual co-player in terms of perceived gaming competence, willingness to play with them, and expectations of others' willingness to do so. Consistent with lack-of-fit theories, stereotypical gay players were viewed as a poor fit for masculine games, leading to lower attributions of competence and reduced likelihood of selection, whereas no differences emerged when playing feminine games. These findings suggest that, despite increasing diversity in today's gaming communities, heteronormative assumptions and masculine norms continue to shape perceptions and choices.