The online video game industry is rife with sexism towards women, leading to harassment, stereotyping, and objectification of female gamers. This research paper investigates the experiences of female gamers and how they cope with the challenges they face. Female gamers are often subjected to derogatory remarks, sexual harassment, and objectification, leading to a hostile gaming environment. The anonymity of the internet provides abusers with a platform to act confidently, leading to toxic behavior that includes vulgar and abusive language, death threats, and rape threats.
The study explores the coping mechanisms used by female gamers to avoid conflict and harassment online, including camouflaging their gender by using a male profile name and muting their microphone, avoiding playing with strangers, and raising objections and protesting when faced with harassment. Some women defend themselves by pointing out their gaming experience and skill level, challenging the harasser to a 1 vs 1 match, and using aggressive language to counter the harasser's vulgar words. Outclassing the harasser with tactics and strategies inside the game often leads to the harasser leaving the game silently.
The research also highlights the negative effects of the objectification and sexualization of female characters in video games on both female and male gamers. It can lead to the normalization of sexism and gender-based violence against women in the gaming community, contributing to harassment, discrimination, and exclusion. The lack of representation of diverse female characters in video games reinforces harmful gender stereotypes.
The study concludes by emphasizing the need for the gaming industry to promote diversity, representation, and inclusivity in the development and marketing of video games. By doing so, the industry can combat gender discrimination and stereotyping in online gaming platforms and create a safe space for all gamers, regardless of gender.
