Round Table China Encore: Women are gaming's powerful new players
16 snips
Oct 16, 2025 Explore the remarkable rise of women in the gaming industry, which is now worth over $184 billion. Delve into the shift from a male-dominated past, where stereotypes excluded female gamers, to the recognition of women as key players. Discover how mobile gaming has opened doors for many, alongside iconic female characters like Lara Croft reshaping perceptions. Learn about women’s growing roles in esports, the challenges of gender imbalance in development roles, and the economic power female gamers wield in shaping the industry's future.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Women Are Reshaping A Billion-Dollar Industry
- The global gaming industry now out-earns film and music combined, exceeding $184 billion yearly.
- Women comprise nearly half of gamers and are reshaping design, esports, and culture.
Early Game Design Created A Feedback Loop
- Early game marketing and themes favored action and aggression, which sidelined many women.
- That created a feedback loop where games and culture reinforced male-centric stereotypes.
Internet Cafe Memory Shows Gender Roles
- Steve recalls couples at internet cafes where the boyfriend played and the girlfriend just kept him company.
- That memory highlights how social norms treated women as peripheral to gaming in earlier decades.