“From the Weaker Sex to Hardcore Gaming”

Abstract

The issue of gender with regard to video game usage has been researched since the first mass-market video games appeared. Since then, diverse results have been found. Assumptions regarding limitations on access, different content preferences, and differing usage behavior have been derived. Surprisingly, in recent years, findings changed—indicating a shift from perceptions about uninterested female gamers to understanding that female gamers have specific needs and expectations. This work is based upon an explorative study examining usage patterns of women who play Internet-based video games. Additionally, differences between female and male gamers are evaluated and discussed. We found that female gamers show a bigger economic potential and more playing time in less complex Internet-based video games than male gamers. This study provides new knowledge regarding female video-gaming patterns and offers implications for further research topics.