Feminism and video games; not two terms often paired in the same sentence. However, studies now show female gamers might even outnumber their male counterparts in certain genres, prompting academics to explore gender representation in an industry undergoing drastic changes.
“We’re really at like a watershed moment now,” said Nina Huntemann, associate professor of media studies at Suffolk University.
In the past, the video game industry targeted men because it was the ‘safe’ choice. Developing games for a computer or console is expensive and there was always a better chance of turning a profit creating games for male audiences. Now with diverse platforms, however, that’s all changing.
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“They are facing some economic realities that whether they like it or not are going to make them shift. Tablet, mobile development… these platforms are allowing game development to be cheaper and with cheaper development you can take more risks because you’re not investing so many dollars that might fail.”
That diversity is a welcomed change for female gamers, who have always been interested in gaming, but have often faced roadblocks, sometimes from within the community.
“I don’t go on online forums because honestly the comments scare me,” said Kallie Desruisseaux, video game enthusiast and co-owner of Kapow Comics in Lethbridge. “You will get all sorts of nasty images sent to you, maybe unwanted sexual advances. Just spending five minutes on an internet forum and expressing ‘hey I’m a woman and this is what I think’, you’re going to get all sorts of hate.”
“Anonymity makes people feel free to be able to say and do whatever they want,” added Huntemann.
Huntemann says the solution comes from within by being open and inclusive to any gamers who want to know more about the gaming community. Regardless, it appears that female gamers are showing no signs of slowing down.
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