Exploring Gametech: The Intersection of Gaming, eSports, and Gender Diversity
This February, The Fintech Times is diving deep into the dynamic world of gametech. Grab your headsets and controllers as we explore the latest technologies and celebrity influences shaping the market, particularly in the realm of eSports. Despite nearly half of the world’s gamers being female, the competitive eSports landscape still struggles with gender representation. While progress is being made, there’s ample room for improvement. In this article, we’ll hear from industry experts about the steps needed to foster greater gender diversity in eSports.
The Covid Effect
Samina Seth, co-founder of Walee, believes that the pandemic has created a unique opportunity to enhance female representation in eSports.
“eSports received a significant boost during COVID, with many newcomers exploring gaming while at home,” she explains. “Now is the perfect time to push the narrative of female participation, especially as diversity becomes a priority for many organizations.”
Seth advocates for a holistic community approach, emphasizing the need for infrastructure and programs that cover the entire sales funnel—from awareness and engagement to conversion. She aims to increase female participation in mixed tournaments by at least 10% and equalize pay, as top female talent often earns less than their male counterparts.
“Community is key,” she adds. “Female eSport influencers can motivate their fanbases to join regional and global communities, nurturing interest through education and practical pathways to becoming pro-gamers.”
Seth also highlights the importance of connections, suggesting that qualified fans should have access to purpose-built programs, academies, and incubators. These initiatives can help aspiring gamers earn certifications and build a social presence that can be monetized.
“Conversions are crucial,” she states. “Hosting all-female sponsored tournaments can showcase talent and attract organizations looking to diversify their rosters.”
Shaping the Space
Bradley Beal, Event Manager at BADASS Studios and founder of BADASS University All-Stars, believes the current ecosystem needs to be more accommodating for women.
“I don’t think we should incentivize women with anything more than what’s already available,” he argues. “Instead, we should focus on making the existing space more welcoming.”
Beal suggests creating leagues specifically for women to help them acclimate to the competitive environment before transitioning to mixed-gender leagues. He acknowledges that while eSports has made strides in addressing gender imbalance, issues like abuse still persist.
“Success stories are more common at community and national levels,” he notes, citing leagues like Rainbow6 that offer safe spaces for competition.
Opportunities for Female Gamers
Roger Caramanica, PhD and Programme Chair for Gaming & eSports Management at Post University, emphasizes the importance of creating opportunities for female gamers.
“The beauty of eSports is its level playing field,” he explains. “We don’t need to incentivize women to join; we need to build better pathways for those already playing.”
Caramanica points out that while many women play recreationally, their numbers dwindle in competitive settings due to historical barriers. He advocates for a safe and welcoming environment, highlighting the role of mentorship in fostering female talent.
“Post University partners with thegameHERS, an online community dedicated to empowering female gamers,” he shares. “Our mentoring program connects experienced female gamers with younger players, creating a supportive network.”
Addressing Inclusion Issues
Christian Konczal, Director of eSports at Champlain College, acknowledges the gaming industry’s ongoing struggles with inclusion.
“The competitive eSports sector is not immune to these issues,” he states. “Toxicity is pervasive, and anonymity allows for harassment, which disproportionately affects marginalized players.”
Konczal notes that many women opt to play with their microphones off or use voice changers to conceal their identities, creating barriers to entry. He believes that the collegiate eSports scene offers a unique opportunity to cultivate a positive culture.
“By removing anonymity, we can define the culture of our environment,” he explains. “Institutional teams and leagues can set standards for behavior, promoting better sportsmanship.”
Celebrating Success Stories
Despite the challenges, there are inspiring success stories in the realm of female gamers. Hailey Aeppli, a freshman at Post University and member of the Eagles eSports Team, shares her experience.
“Being part of a team with all-male players has motivated me,” she says. “They’ve never discouraged me from being myself, and I encourage other women to step out of their comfort zones.”
Aeppli aims to inspire others to pursue their passions in gaming, emphasizing the incredible experiences that await.
Mehwish Aslam, Chief Business Officer of bSecure, highlights the emergence of women-centric tournaments like HER Galaxy in Pakistan.
“This platform demonstrates that the female gaming audience is not only significant but growing,” she states. “Major advertisers are recognizing this trend and integrating gaming into their brand identities.”
A Changing Landscape
Josh Hafkin, CEO of Game Gym, reflects on the evolving landscape for women in gaming.
“In the past, women faced barriers to entering gaming and tech,” he notes. “Now, we’re seeing increased efforts to support women in the space, with all-female teams and initiatives aimed at creating a more diverse ecosystem.”
Hafkin acknowledges that while progress is being made, it will take time to see the full impact of these efforts.
As we explore the intersection of gametech and gender diversity, it’s clear that while challenges remain, the commitment to fostering an inclusive environment in eSports is stronger than ever. With the right initiatives and support, the future of gaming can be a more equitable space for everyone.