Below are some images based on my thoughts and experiences with regards to women in the gaming community. It has always somehow been a controversial topic, as some people are still quite stuck in the ways of old fashioned stereotypes. However, over the past decade or so women have been able to break out of stereotypes and partake in whatever they wish to. Despite this, some people are still rooted in their sexism and misogyny. Because of this I am always interested in trying to share information, knowledge and experiences to try and challenge sexism and misogyny.
Specific Game Genres
Despite some beliefs, women play many different types of games. Be it the more widely known as games such as Sims 4, Minecraft, and Stardew Valley, or also games such as Fortnite, Skyrim and Call of Duty. Women can play any games despite stereotypes.
The top 5 genres of games played by female players includes different genres such as; Match 3 (games such as candy crush and bejewelled), Family/Farming Sim (games including The Sims, Harvest Moon and Stardew Valley), Casual Puzzle (games such as Angry Birds and Cut the Rope), Atmospheric Exploration (including games like Journey, ABZU, Gone Home and Dear Esther) and finally Interactive Drama (games such as The Walking Dead, The Wolf Among Us and Tales from the Borderlands).
A favourite game of mine, that is also not only a very popular game overall, but also quite popular with female players, is Minecraft. It’s a sandbox game allowing for many different aspects, including things such as mining, crafting, farming, combat and a great deal more.
Stardew Valley is not only one of my favourite games, but also a widely popular game among women, fitting into the top 69% of preferred games by women – which covers games such as farming and family simulators.
Challenging stereotypes
Despite what some may think, women can do whatever they wish to, especially things such as gaming.
Women don’t have to pick and choose whether they wear makeup or play video games, they can always do both.
Activism
The precursor to Monopoly, known as The Landlord’s Game which later became Monopoly, was created by a woman, known as Elizabeth Magie, in 1904. In later years, she came out against Charles Darrow - who had tried to claim he came up with the game invention alone and without help - and reported that she had only earned $500 overall from her invention, and at the time had received none of the credit for Monopoly. Her impact on the world was only really appreciated after her death, but Elizabeth contributed to pressure for women's and black people's rights, through educating others, publishing political material to speak out about against the oppression women and black people face, as well as creating a board game at a time when women held less than 1% of US patents.
Women in Games is a non-profit organisation full of activists that are trying to do more to help more women get into the gaming industry. They hold festivals, awards, e sports tournaments and much more, all designed to help more women get involved within games and the gaming industry.
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