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How Online Games Are Creating Communities for Women

The online gaming industry has come a long way in the last ten years and has become a place where women can socialize and succeed.

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Online Games

How Online Games Are Creating Communities for Women

The online gaming industry has come a long way in the last ten years and…
Impact Games

Empowering Women Through Gaming: A Look at Positive Impact Games

The gaming industry has been considered as a male dominated industry and only in the…
Console Games

Console Games Women Love: The Best Picks for PlayStation, Xbox, and Switch

Women are becoming more and more involved in the gaming industry and specifically in the…

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How Online Games Are Creating Communities for Women

Online Games

The online gaming industry has come a long way in the last ten years and has become a place where women can socialize and succeed. More women are joining the gaming world and they are not only getting the fun that comes with it but also finding a community that supports them. This paper looks at how these online games are fostering these communities and the benefits that accrue to female players.

Breaking Down Barriers

Online Games

Gaming has been stereotyped as a male activity and this has put off many women from engaging in the activity. However, with the advent of online gaming, these norms have been shifted. This is because 46% of the gamers are females and the industry is slowly embracing this demographic change. Games like Animal Crossing: New Horizons and Stardew Valley focus on cooperation, invention, and communication, thus, they can be interesting for women. These games are non-competitive and are designed to make the players feel comfortable and welcome to play the game.

Fostering Inclusivity and Support

The online gaming communities are more welcoming and supportive of women where they can find friends and discuss their issues. Discord and Twitch are among the social media platforms that have been used by women gamers to form groups, exchange information and encourage each other. There are numerous gaming communities that are exclusive for women where they can escape the harassment that is common in the gaming world. For example, Women in Games and Girl Gamers are groups that seek to help women gamers by offering them support, contacts, and guidance.
These communities not only provide women with people to relate to, but also create friendships that are not limited to the gaming aspect. Players tell each other their stories, talk about the issues they encounter in the game, and congratulate each other on the accomplishments, which makes the players feel like they are part of a community that adds value to the game.

Empowering Through Representation

Online Games

The role of women in games has also played a part in the development of supportive communities. Games that have strong female leads like The Last of Us Part II and Horizon Zero Dawn give the players the chance to embody a character that looks like them. This representation makes women more involved in gaming and gives them confidence. When women find themselves in the game and the characters they can relate to, they feel they are not alone in the gaming community and they are encouraged to tell their stories.

Addressing Harassment and Toxicity

Online gaming communities can be quite helpful, but they are not without their problems. Some women gamers have complained of harassment and toxic behavior that they face and this makes them not to engage fully. Nevertheless, the increasing awareness of these problems has brought certain improvements in the sphere of gaming. There are also more and more measures taken by developers and platforms to control toxicity, for instance, improved reporting mechanisms and guidelines. Through encouraging people to treat others with respect and setting rules against harassment, the gaming industry is trying to prevent harassment of women.

Building Skills and Confidence

Online Games

Being an active member of the online gaming communities, women can gain useful experience and self-assertion. Some games involve cooperation, communication and planning which are also valuable in the real life. Through games, women are able to engage, solve problems, make decisions and even lead other people. This liberation is not only in the gaming world but also to push women to leadership in other facets of their lives.

Conclusion

Online games are becoming a major force in the formation of communities that help women. These communities help in eliminating the barriers, encourage the inclusion of women, and offer a platform where women gamers can excel. Although there are still some issues, the current attempts to fight toxicity and make players behave properly are leading to a better future for gaming. With more women joining the gaming world, they not only get to have fun but also get to make friends and be part of a community that is essential in the gaming world.

Empowering Women Through Gaming: A Look at Positive Impact Games

Impact Games

The gaming industry has been considered as a male dominated industry and only in the recent past, there has been the women in gaming movement. The positive impact games are games that are designed to bring about social change and personal development and they have become a force to reckon with in empowering women and fighting gender roles. In this article, we will discuss how these games are making a difference and the effects that are being brought about for women.

Challenging Gender Stereotypes

Impact Games

Another way in which positive impact games can help women is by subverting gender norms. Most of the traditional games have depicted women as the victims or as the objects of the male characters in the game. But positive impact games are shifting the paradigm with games that have female characters who are not only powerful but also layered and proactive. Games such as “Life is strange” and “Horizon Zero Dawn” present women as leaders, who are making decisions and facing difficulties. These games are useful in promoting the equality of women in power positions and encouraging players to achieve their own dreams.

Promoting Diversity and Inclusion

Positive impact games also depict and embrace people of different genders with various roles, skills, and attitudes. This is particularly important for those who may not find themselves represented in most of the games available. Games such as ‘Dream Daddy’ and ‘The Last of Us Part II’ also have the aspects of gender fluidity and the representation of the LGBTQ+ community, which gives players a platform to embrace themselves. These games therefore foster a culture of diversity acceptance thus making the gaming community a more tolerant society.

Fostering Empowerment and Self-Confidence

Positive impact games can also help in the promotion of women’s power and confidence. Most of these games are built around the concept of self-improvement and coping with stress, which helps players to develop various skills for life, for example, thinking, interpersonal communication, and self-awareness. Games like “Hellblade: Both “Senua’s Sacrifice” and “What Remains of Edith Finch” are games that are centered around mental health and trauma and give the players a way to deal with their issues. Through overcoming the obstacles and reaching the goals set within the game, players can gain the confidence that will help them in real life.

Building Community and Support Networks

Impact Games

Positive impact games also provide women with a way of meeting other women and forming communities. Some of these games have online multiplayer options or social interactions that require the players to work in groups. Games such as ‘Overwatch’ and ‘Destiny’ are examples of games that have active women gamers who engage in the game and support other women. These communities are important because they allow women to discuss their situations, give each other recommendations, and even congratulate each other on their achievements. Positive effects games contribute to the fight against loneliness and negativity that can be found in the gaming community.

Inspiring Future Generations

Last but not the least, positive impact games can encourage the young generation of women to follow their dreams and challenge the gender norms. Through the portrayal of powerful and multifaceted female characters and the advocacy of gender equality and diversity, these games can inspire young girls to engage in gaming and technology. Games like “Minecraft” and “Roblox” are games where players are able to build their own worlds and narratives, and this is a good introduction to coding and game design. Thus, playing these games in childhood, girls can gain useful skills and confidence that will help them in their further professional and personal life.

Conclusion

Thus, positive impact games can be considered as the tools that can help women and combat gender stereotype in the gaming industry and other spheres of life. These games are making a positive change in the lives of women gamers by having powerful female characters, encouraging the inclusion of people of different backgrounds, empowering women, boosting their confidence, and creating communities where they can turn to. It is therefore important that we acknowledge and encourage the good that games are doing in the society as we progress in the future.

Console Games Women Love: The Best Picks for PlayStation, Xbox, and Switch

Console Games

Women are becoming more and more involved in the gaming industry and specifically in the console gaming market. Due to the differences in tastes and hobbies, female gamers are interested in different games for different consoles. Below are the list of some of the best console games that women enjoy playing classified by platform.

PlayStation

Console Games

The Last of Us Part II

The Last of Us Part II, an action-adventure game developed by Naughty Dog, has been a hit among female gamers. The game is based on a post-apocalyptic environment and the main character is a female named Ellie who goes through a complex and ambiguous story. The game’s narrative, characters, and graphics are excellent, and make this game one of the best on the PlayStation platform.

Horizon Zero Dawn

Published by Sony Interactive Entertainment, Horizon Zero Dawn is an action role-playing game that is set in an open world environment in a world that has been taken over by mechanical beasts. The game’s protagonist is Aloy, a skilled hunter and an archer, and the player gets to explore the open world. The game’s gameplay mechanics, a storyline, and the protagonist that is a woman make it one of the most popular games on PlayStation.

Xbox

Gears 5

The fifth game in the Gears of War series, Gears 5, has Kait Diaz as the new playable character, a female character. The game is a third person shooter that also has a story that is based on the concepts of identity and change. Thanks to the gameplay full of action, beautiful graphics, and interesting characters Gears 5 has become the most popular game among the owners of Xbox.

Ori and the Will of the Wisps

Ori and the Will of the Wisps is a stunning and demanding side-scrolling action-adventure game that has a touching tale of a spirit who protects the forest. The game’s cartoonish visual design, the pleasant tunes, and the well-designed gameplay make it one of the best games for the Xbox. The main character of the game is neutral, Ori, but the game is inspiring and empowering for women and girls in particular.

Nintendo Switch

Console Games

Animal Crossing: New Horizons

Animal Crossing: New Horizons is an open-world social simulation game that has taken the world by storm on Nintendo Switch. The players have to build their own island, choose the appearance of their avatar and the house, as well as communicate with the inhabitants of the island – the cute animal characters. The game is rather slow, the players are encouraged to think creatively, and the game has social elements that make it particularly popular among women who are searching for a fun, yet not very challenging game.

Fire Emblem: Three Houses

Fire Emblem: Three Houses is a tactical role-playing game that makes the player involved in the game through the story and the fights. The game is set in a world in which there is a war and the players are professors at a prestigious academy who have to lead their house of students through the war. The game features strong writing, choices, and tactics, and has become popular among the owners of the Nintendo Switch, especially women who prefer games with a plot.

Conclusion

Console gaming has a lot to offer in terms of gameplay that appeals to female gamers. From the emotional storytelling of The Last of Us Part II to the relaxing escapism of Animal Crossing: New Horizons, these games are evidence that games can be about many different things and appeal to women. It is therefore important to appreciate and embrace the female gamers in the world of gaming and ensure that they are given a voice and are able to express themselves in the gaming world.

Murder in the Abbey

Murder

It starts out slowly, with questions about a monk’s death – suicide or murder? Leonardo, a monk known for his wisdom in both secular and religious matters is sent to investigate the matter. Leonardo comes fettered with a young novice, Bruno, who he often refers to as, “My toothache”. Bruno is the questioning voice to the main character. The game starts slowly, with only one murder which occurs off stage. This gives you time to explore the Abby, go into all of the buildings and grounds, and talk to all of the monks. While the characters are drawn in a simple cartoon style, the story and environment feel very realistic – and so you get to experience what most of us haven’t – the inner workings of an abbey. Soon it becomes apparent the mystery is centered in the library – where only the head and assistant librarians are allowed in – not even Leonardo is given access.

Each monk becomes a unique character, conveyed by how they are drawn and the excellent voice acting. Some you dislike, some you get to be quite fond of, but all are suspects. Leonardo questions, searches, observes, gathers, constructs with little Bruno following closely behind. The tempo of the drama increases and there are more murders before the final scene. I must admit that I was puzzled until the end.

This is a complex story, with characters that are skillfully and quickly developed. Seventeen different voice actors are used which added greatly to the richness of the story. The Crimson Cow credits were heavily populated by German and Spanish names which most likely accounted for the authentic feel of the game.

Fun Factor: Engrossing
Female Factor: In an abbey?
Player Friendly: Manual gives pictures of all the monks so you can keep track.

Reviewed by: Editor – 08/08

Smarty Pants (Wii )

Smarty Pants (Wii )

With over 20,000 questions in eight categorizes – art, books, entertainment, fashion, games, places and people, science and sports, how come I got two of the same questions in three tries of the game? Maybe it was in Family Mode, where there is no choice of category but you are expected to meet a certain number of correct answers within a set time. I played with it set at 12 year old and the questions were noticeably simpler than mine. If you have a Mii profile it uses that avatar, otherwise you play as guest. To get additional time you can dance, shake or wave the remote. The remote keeps on urging you to do one of the time-extending actions in such a loud voice that it was impossible to think. And there didn’t seem to be any way to shut it up.

Friends mode is really where the game comes into it’s own. It’s a party game, played with four remotes. Players take turns spinning the wheel to select the category for the round. Players “buzz-in” to be the first to answer the question. The wheel is a nice touch with the sound effects and the ability “nudge” it to get your desired category. But the most fun were the reactions of the Mii avatars – particularly if you have made them to resemble yourself. There is game potential here.

Fun Factor: The categories are uninspiring.

Reviewed by: Editor – 12/07

Midnight Play

Midnight Play

It’s hard to place Midnight Play into a category. It’s a bit like being immersed in a Zen experience. Screens dripping in tomato red and poison green unfold and its mesmerizing tempo captures you. It almost runs itself with scant input by you. The amusing Czech-like carnival drawings from the children’s picture book by Keveta Pacovska come alive and create an entirely new experience.

The music is a masterful addition. Every image has a sound attached to it – a reed flute, a harp, a calliope, paper rustling, circus music, percussive sticks and drums. A cat’s whiskers provide an opportunity to experiment with four part harmony. Drummers fall out of the sky for you to coordinate and orchestrate.

The paths are so random that even after playing the ‘game’ you are constantly surprised as to where you are and how you arrived there. Of course, you can hit the space bar if you want to change the scene to get to your favorite part – but it’s still random.

There is little input required. For young children, simply moving a mouse without clicking will produce changes. This may not hold the attention of hyper active button clicking pre-teens but for adults – it is a wonderful tranquil place to go to and revisit. Grownups will want to own it as an art piece.

Nancy Drew: Labyrinth of Lies

Nancy Drew: Labyrinth of Lies

Nancy is hired by Melina, the curator of the Phidias Cultural Center – Greek Museum, ostensibly to find out why the Museum can’t keep its staff. Too easy for Nancy. The game soon morphs into more than a personnel problem. Melina is away, searching for missing jewelry and she asks Nancy to check on the provenance of items in the museum. To me that means – forgery.

The situation is complicated further by being linked with an elaborate production of Persephone to celebrate the museum’s new exhibit. The theater includes numerous sets depicting various states of Hades – all being able to be lifted from the basement onto the stage. These complications alone – account for many of Nancy’s puzzles.

The location is bounded by the museum and the stage complex – there are no forays into greater Greece. But the game is and heavily into Greek mythology, history, art and architecture.

Nancy’s connection to the curator is through the phone – the people she does have physical contact with are the theater group – sort of a motley collection of actors in Greek costumes. We have Xenai directing and playing the lead character, Gregor is Hermes the narrator/chorus, Niobe plays Demeter, Persepone’s mother and goddess of growing things and finally Thanos as Hades who looks and acts the part. Everyone knows – the snake gets the best lines.

In the absence of Melina, the curator, Nancy is tasked with running the museum – and here is the most enjoyable part. She must learn about Greek history, mythology. art and architecture – mostly thorough books scattered about and this the basis of a large number of puzzles. Others involve mechanical manipulation, colors, codes. The seat request problem reminds me of the logical puzzles in the Zoombinis, an early children’s logic game – also fun. As with all Nancy Drew games – you cannot take two steps in the story without having to solve a puzzle – which can diminish the flow of the story. Also – the game could have had a better title – “Vacation in Hades”?

If you are new to Nancy Drew games – it is a point and click adventure. You are offered two modes of play, Amateur or Master Sleuth. Amateur provides hints and a task list showing what still needs to be done – a subtle assist in itself. I wonder why it took Her Interactive so long to get into the Greek scene – it is so rich in stories, places, characters. Plenty to to see here – worth another adventure.

Fun Factor: Puzzles are varaied and stay close to the story
Female Factor: No really strong females except for our Nancy
Player Friendly: No problem – hints if you wish

Nancy Drew: Shadow at the Water’s Edge

mysteries

This is probably one of the best Nancy Drew mysteries – and I have reviewed them all. It takes you off to Japan for a foreign adventure – not unlike The Phantom of Venice where, besides solving the mystery – you enjoy the ambience of a foreign land. But this is so much more. The game submerges you into Japanese culture at every turn, from the attitudes of the characters, the crafts, the ambience of the city, mythology, the famed subway system, a pachinko parlor, food and a stay at a ryokan offering heated pools, beautiful gardens and even her futon turned down in the evening. The plot has Nancy in Japan as an English tutor and staying at a ryokan, a traditional Japanese inn, which has a ghost problem – denied by the staff. The game is chock full of puzzles, many more complex and difficult than the usual Nancy Drew. However, all involve Japanese culture and in solving them you are also learning. Most can be done at your leisure but a few will not let you proceed until solved. The animation is decidedly more realistic, and the voice acting is spot on. The game has more of an adult feel about it and I hope this new direction is maintained. Having stayed at a ryokan I can vouch for the authenticity of the environments – except that Nancy forgets to remove her shoes when entering the ryokan.

Fun Factor: Engaging – lots to do, see and solve.
Female Factor: ‘Ray for Nancy
Player Friendly: A real manual would help the player – even a walktrhough would be nice.