Over the last few decades, the gaming industry has evolved in a way that women have become an important part of it. What was once considered a male domain, today is a very diverse sphere where women account for nearly half of all gamers, 46%. This article aims at uncovering the trends of female gamers and the games that are most likely to attract them.
Changing Demographics in Gaming
In the past, gaming was considered as a male domain and this is why to this day, many people still hold this perception. But current research shows that women are not only playing games but also shaping the future of gaming. As for the latest statistics, 72% of women play video games, and most of them are casual players. This shift also shows that women are becoming more and more interested in gaming with women in the age range of 35 to 44 years being the most active gamers.
Casual and Mobile Gaming
A particularly significant tendency is the interest of female players in casual and mobile games. About 69% of women stated that they like simple and easy to understand games which can be played in small portions of time. Games such as Candy Crush Saga, Farmville, and Angry Birds are some of the most popular games in the mobile gaming industry that targets women who seek to have a good time and be entertained without having to engage in more serious games. It has especially become more popular in the mobile gaming industry because of the portability of the device. Women usually engage in gaming when they are free and this makes the mobile platforms suitable for the purpose. This trend has been accelerated by the so-called hyper-casual games, which offer simple mechanics and quick fun, which are more appealing to women.
Social and Community Engagement
Most female gamers are interested in games that incorporate social relations and other people’s interactions. Multiplayer games like Animal Crossing: New Horizons and Stardew Valley help players make friends and interact with friends and family, which makes players feel that they belong. These games also have elements of cooperation, which is a very important factor for many women, as they often seek for communication in the process of gaming.
Representation and Storytelling
With the advancement of the gaming industry, more and more people are seeking the inclusion of various characters and good storylines. Women gamers enjoy games that have female characters, and storylines that are relatable to them as women. Games such as The Last of Us Part II and Horizon Zero Dawn have been applauded for their engaging plot and strong female characters, proving that women gamers are not just interested in shallow roles.
The Impact of Streaming and Content Creation
The same can also be said for Twitch and YouTube, which has helped increase the exposure of women gamers. It is not only women playing games but also streaming the gameplay and creating content to break barriers and encourage others to join the gaming world. Females streamers like Pokimane and Valkyrae have many followers and they play games and make their audiences feel welcome.
Conclusion
The increase in female gamers is a clear indication of evolution in the gaming industry as well as the society and the acceptance of other forms of gaming. Since women are almost half of the gamers, their tastes and interests are defining the future of gaming. From the casual mobile games to the narrative games, women are showing that everyone can be a gamer. Thus, it is crucial to appreciate the efforts made by women in gaming and to make sure that they are heard and seen in the gaming industry.