I don't find it that surprising. There's actually a tradition of female snipers (or at any rate long-range combat) in Western society that stretches back millennia. To name but a few examples:

Priestesses of Artemis/Diana, goddess of the hunt, were archers;
Medieval noblewomen were allowed to learn archery to participate in hunts and for castle defense;
The Russian female snipers of WWII;
Annie Oakley.

I think that it's just a carry-over into the gaming world from real-world considerations. As an average-sized woman, I'd much rather be facing Andre the Giant from behind a sniper scope 500 m away than from a 1-m distance.

Beating up ppl with a sniper rifle? :D

In GoldenEye, presumably: http://rhodesmill.org/goldeneye/details.html#UnA

No wonder I always choose a female character.... ^o^

In the comments, the question of ammo comsuption would be interesting.

Just give me a melee class like in Killing Floor and I´m game, the medic is fine as well.

If computer plays with himself, isn't that a form of masturbation?

My 8 year-old nephew plays Destiny and Call of Duty, and he's never stealthy. He walks right into a room full of enemies guns blazing, eposing himself to enemy fire very recklessly. I suppose he is a good example.

What about stealthily knocking out enemies with physical attacks without killing them to not spend ammo, and abusing the quickload and quicksave keys? :p

You're close to the Loch Ness Monster, world peace and solar energy. Myths... ;D

Damn, seems I'm a woman after all.

Except for Quake. Rocket launcher, close up *wannaseethemwince*.

Hm, I guess what I thought was a penis has been a ginormous clit all those years...

From a mile away with a sniper rifle?

;-)

TIL I'm a woman.

Is that how it works right?

I'm proud to be a Serious Sam caveman gamer.
Grok make loud noises and messes!

Edit: Can't be accused of being young anymore. :/