While gaming has been unfoundedly masculinised, a recent report by the All-India Gaming Federation (AIGF) revealed that out of over 400 million Indian gamers, women constitute 43 per cent of smartphone gamers in India.
What is interesting to note is that 49 per cent of women gamers started playing games during the COVID-19 lockdown. And while the restrictions got eased, women continued to indulge in online gaming.
Around 77 per cent of Indian woman gamers are committed to playing at least once every day with an average of just less than an hour daily. These include homemakers and college students who are playing games that also help them earn some money on the side.
Women are playing games of various genres such as adventure, survivalist horror, first-person shooters, virtual sports and strategy, multiplayer online battle arenas, etc.
In 2018, women made up only 18 per cent of online gamers in India. Today, we make up almost half of the gaming population and research suggests that it is because of easy accessibility and low investment as mobile gaming has taken centre stage.
In fact, according to the 2021 data by Essenvideri Media (ENV Media), there has been a 35 per cent increase in the gaming industry in India. Today, India is the 5th largest online gaming market.
The future of the Indian gaming market looks like it can benefit immensely from encouraging more female participation. Creating a more inclusive and safe online gaming environment will further motivate women to take up gaming. Women are shattering the stereotypical assumption that online gaming is for the urban male population, hence reducing the gender disparity in the gaming market.