Toxicity in online gaming has created a hostile environment for female gamers, but progress is being made. Female-only tournaments and greater representation are helping build a more inclusive eSports scene. Increasing diversity is key to the industry’s growth, and more women are now making a strong impact in gaming.
eSport, with all its advantages, has a notable one that stands out when compared to other traditional sports. By definition, eSports is a sport with no major physical prejudice or differences. This means factors such as gender do not play a role in defining an athlete’s potential in the sport and balancing this playing field leaves the sport open to vast potential in terms of participants.
eSports, with its remarkably successful rise, faces one major topic that could define its future growth: the role of women in the industry. While the spotlight often shines on massive revenues, thrilling tournaments, and superstar players, women remain underrepresented and overlooked. Many impressive women are helping push the industry forward—but in my view, there still aren’t enough of them.
Taken at face value, this industry would seem to be a male-dominated sport, with mostly male athletes and figureheads in the limelight. The involvement and growth of women in eSports plays a key role in its future, expanding both the audience and the talent pool needed to elevate the industry to a leading position in global sports.
A large factor in the lack of presence of women is the player pool. A big reason there are less woman at higher levels of both competition and business is due to lower numbers of female players at low levels of gaming. Increasing the number of female gamers at low levels is a vital step in leveling the playing fields for women in this industry.
With some highly talented female eSports athletes, and women in high-ranked roles in some major companies in the industry, there are some great role models for young female game-lovers to aspire to. From successful gamers to powerful business leaders, here are just a few of the more prominent women in eSports.
Scarlett, a StarCraft II player, is the highest earning female gamer, with over $200,000 earned in competitions so far. With over 141 tournaments under her belt, Scarlett is a true ambassador to aspiring female gamers, being called “the most accomplished woman in eSports”.
Mystik is a formidable Halo: Reach player, winning $100,000 in a single tournament! With a massive following on social media, Mystik represents the incredible potential female gamers have in this industry.
With over 1 million followers on Twitch, KittyPlays is one of the top 100 streamers on the platform. Streaming twice a day, many times playing with other big streamers, she has become one of the most famous female gamers.
These gamers are just an example of the vast potential all women have in this incredible industry. With job opportunities ranging from professional gaming, to a desk job in a gaming company, the growth of women’s presence in eSports is the next step in its evolution.