In recent years, the video gaming industry has expanded significantly on a global scale. Thanks to the latest technologies that continue to evolve, more people than ever are now able to access the latest video gaming titles on all sorts of devices, from mobile phones, to tablets, laptops and even gaming consoles that can become portable like the Nintendo Switch.
Mobile phone games
Not only are video games physically more accessible, but they are now accessed by a wider pool of people than ever before. One group that has particularly expanded the market and brought light to the video gaming world is the access women now have to video games.
Below, we’ll take a look at factors that have contributed to more women playing video games, as well as the titles of games most popular with female players.
Female gamers on the rise
The number of female gamers has been rising significantly in recent years, in which nearly 41% of all gamers in the US were female in 2022. Comparatively, 40-45% of Asian gamers are female too, in which Asiaccounts for 48% of the world's gaming revenue. So, what is causing the rise in female gamers?
Female players motive
Studies have shown that females have completely different motives to males when it comes to playing video games. While males play for competition, to cope with stress, or to pass the time. However female gamers play for social l reasons like engaging with others, maintaining relationships and to meet social needs, in addition to personal achievement.
It’s more socially acceptable
As perceptions of gender are shifting, it has become more acceptable for women to play video games the same way as men do. While stigma still exists; for example a woman walking into an arcade may be surrounded by predominantly males, it has generally become more accepted for women to play video gaming titles that men play.
More privacy
While stigmas around female gaming still exist, those that face these stigmas are able to play video games in the comfort of their own home. As such, women have access to titles predominantly played by men and can practice in the comfort and privacy of their own home where there is no judgment or retaliation.
More female friendly titles
Today’s video gaming titles are much more than just car racing and gun games. While women have every right to play these games too, studies have shown that women prefer games that mentally challenge them such as puzzle games, or games based in their own reality such as Animal crossing.
The best video gaming titles
Today’s video gaming titles are much more encompassing of females and other minority groups. Below, we’ll take a look at some of these titles.
Gates of Olympus
Offered by leading online casino provider, Jackpot Joy, this game has an ancient greek theme and offers a fantastic amount of extras that’s sure to get any player excited whether they’re male or female.
Some of the features include:
- Multiplier symbols
- Free spins
- Ante bet
- An RTO of 96.50%
- Tumbles
- Symbols to collect
Sims 4
As a virtual life game, the Sims 4 is one of the more stereotypical titles that we will mention as it’s a bit like an adult version of a child playing with a doll house. In this game, adults can control their lives and look for everyone in their own virtual world.
Minecraft
Minecraft is a puzzle game that enables creativity; a trait that seems to be prominent in women. Minecraaft involves building blocks that can be collected and used to make structures in the virtual world of the game. Players must be resourceful as they mine materials that can help them to build their world.
Overwatch
Produced by Blizzard Entertainment, Overwatch is a first person action game where teams of six people battle it out. The world itself is a futuristic version of our world where stories involve both male and female platers.
Fights are quite brutal for a female audience, yet the game isn’t centered around male action heroes which makes for a refreshing game for female video gamers.
Star Wars: The Old Republic
This free to play computer game is based on the popular Star Wars series which has traditionally been considered as a film franchise for males. However, as gender perceptions are shifting, Star Wars has become much more popular with women too.
Players are taken on a journey where they discover the beginnings of Star Wars history while getting to create a character, complete tasks and learn more about the galaxy’s political situation.
Overall, the video gaming environment has shifted dramatically in recent years, with more female players now taking part in video games worldwide than ever before. As more female friendly titles are created and marketing agendas change, the female audience is only set to grow.
Tagged in Games