The attitude towards female gamers has been somewhat negative, with the assumption that they are not as good as men, that they have little understanding of game play and instead are easy targets for abuse, misconceptions and criticism.
The gaming world has always been a sexist place and game manufacturers did little to dispel this, instead, encouraging the issue and aiming their marketing ploys and products at men completely shutting women out of this part of the entertainment industry.
With the development of online gaming, the industry took on a whole new meaning, game play was rejuvenated and the social interaction that came from playing online was increased.
The Internet has completely changed the set up of gaming and there are now more and more gaming sites being established, some of our old favorites that are now in an online format such as Mecca Bingo, Solitaire, Monopoly, they are now readily accessible and encourage a wider audience to become involved with online gaming.
There was a very real gap in the gaming market that wasn’t being accessed, targeted or even considered. Women made up a large percentage of an audience that should have been involving themselves in gaming but were never given the opportunity.
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With the creation of so many online games, women are now very much a part of the target demographic and the sexism and male dominance that was previously found within gaming is slowly being removed. Since the new target of women, they now make up 47% of the total online gamers a substantial increase compared to previous years when they made up an incredibly low percentage.
Technology is an area that has allowed women to become a part of the gaming world. we are all dependant on technology and obligated to have some form of understanding in terms of technology and this has evolved and created a broader interest in various forms of technology which goes beyond computers and mobile phones.
Games consoles are one of the biggest items of technology on the market, they have a range of capabilities other than just game play, they can access the Internet, play DVD’s and have a host of applications that make them ideal for women as well as men. With the growing interest and reliance on technology there is now no longer a fear surrounding items such as games consoles.
Women are slowly building their presence within online gaming and there are women that are making a strong statement with their incredible gaming skills. Men have been forced to take notice and change their attitudes towards women in the gaming industry.
It is a new world for women, a new source of entertainment that is finally fully accessible to them without fear of the scrutiny which they previously faced, the gaming world and the men within it have been forced to accept the female influence within gaming.
About the author:
Amanda WaltersAbout the Author:
This article was written by Amanda Walters, an experienced freelance writer and regular conrtibutor to Huffington Post. Follow her here: @Amanda_W84