At the lightest form of esports exposure, you may see young men wearing sponsor-ridden gear, posing for a team picture with their arms crossed. It’s a familiar image in the industry. However, behind the scenes, nearly half of those involved in esports are women. According to a study commissioned by the Interactive Software Federation of Europe, 47% of people working in Europe’s video game industry are female. Women are involved in various roles within esports companies, including sales, development, and organizational positions. However, there is still a lack of representation in leadership and founding roles.
Cristina Niculae, CEO of streaming specialists Interactive Gaming Group, acknowledges the progress made to address the gender imbalance in esports but believes that more needs to be done to create a truly inclusive and diverse atmosphere. The industry must open up opportunities for women, both on the player level and in executive positions, to foster a more welcoming environment.
It is important to recognize that the experiences of men and women in the esports sphere are different. Historically, video games have been designed with a male audience in mind, but gender complexities play a role in esports representation. There is an ongoing conversation about queerness and queer representation within the industry. However, some aspects of the industry still cater to the male gaze, such as characters depicted in revealing attire.
Furthermore, there is evidence of discrimination and harassment faced by women in gaming. A 2020 study by the Anti-Defamation League found that a significant percentage of women and LGBT respondents reported experiencing identity-based harassment while playing online multiplayer games. These issues need to be addressed and eliminated from the corporate side of esports as well, with executives taking responsibility to fight against bullying and sexist behavior.
The challenges faced by female gamers have gained media attention, but more can be done to promote inclusion and equal opportunities in the industry. Encouraging the participation of female teams and considering a person’s skills and abilities rather than their gender are essential steps toward a more inclusive esports industry. Additionally, recruiting efforts should go beyond job listings and engage in direct outreach to potential employees. Insincere claims of valuing diversity without concrete actions should be avoided.
Wider factors outside of the esports industry also contribute to hope for a more inclusive future. Initiatives aimed at making science, technology, engineering, and mechanics (STEM) careers attractive to women, such as Girls in Tech and Love Tech, can also increase interest in entering the gaming industry. It is crucial to address the lack of female representation in executive positions within gaming companies, as reported by Forbes’ Global Gaming Gender Balance Scorecard. Having women in executive roles can help create an inclusive environment and push for more representation of women in esports competitions and platforms, as well as technology to reduce aggressive behavior.
