The Effects of Gender-Based Treatment in Competitive Gaming on Gameplay Patterns of Female Players

Abstract

This study attempts to investigate the involvement of female players within competitive video games, examining gameplay and behavioral patterns as a result of discriminatory treatment. Competitive video games are a rapidly growing phenomenon, with their growing popularity exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic and expanding technology consumption. Historical exclusion against women in gaming provides significance to this study, as such exclusion has resulted in lower female involvement and discriminatory social behavior within the community. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with questions pertaining to specific experiences within competitive games as well as subsequent actions taken in response to such experiences. Data was analyzed using thematic analysis to determine commonalities in participant behavior. The themes generated from participant experiences suggest decreased involvement in a plethora of gameplay and communication methods, with reduced communication, gameplay regression, and conformity to gendered game roles being the three most common themes. The results of this study underscore the importance of inclusive behavior towards women in competitive gaming, and may have implications for the future of gender equity in gaming and other male-dominated activities.