While video games were once seen as a male-dominated hobby, women are now just as active in gaming. Recent research shows that 51% of women in the UK play video games, compared to 53% of men. Yet despite these numbers, women often face challenges in how they are represented in gaming culture.
A survey of 1,000 female mobile gamers revealed that many feel conflicted about their hobby. Nearly 30% admitted feeling guilty about spending time gaming, while 16% kept their gaming habits secret due to fear of judgment. Interestingly, this guilt does not stop women from playing – it simply makes them feel worse about the experience.
The study also showed that 41% of women look forward to gaming daily, but almost 60% don’t consider themselves “real gamers.” Even among women who play on PC or console for hours each day, only a small percentage identified as “hardcore gamers.”
Younger women, especially those aged 16–24, were found to be three times more likely to feel guilty about gaming compared to older women. Common reasons included not knowing which games to try, or finding popular games too violent. These barriers highlight the lack of diversity in games marketed to women.
Another issue lies in gaming culture itself, which many women feel is still seen as male-oriented. This perception fuels guilt, secrecy, and exclusion. Some even admitted to hiding their pride in gaming achievements, fearing negative judgment.
Experts suggest that the root problem is not guilt itself, but the lack of inclusivity in gaming culture. Reducing barriers requires both industry and cultural change: promoting diverse games, challenging stereotypes, and celebrating women’s gaming achievements.
As gaming becomes a bigger part of everyday life, broadening the perception of who a gamer is could make the experience more welcoming for women.
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