Women game too, by the way 👩💻

To celebrate Women's History Month and International Women's Day, we decided to highlight some of our favourite women in the community who have paved the way for others. Unfortunately, women weren’t always as welcome in the community and have been the minority in the gaming space since the very start of the gaming boom in the early 2000s when the Xbox online console service was released. Twenty years later, the hobby, while still seen as male-centric, has shifted from being just that, with women from all over the world getting to enjoy gaming.

The male dominated space of gaming has led to female gamers to be looked down upon, with many encountering sexist, misogynistic and threatening comments from other gamers, whether on social media or an in-game lobby. The bullying and abuse have caused the need for campaigns like the ‘#NoRoomForAbuse’ led by Sky Broadband and Guild Esports to raise awareness and stand with women. Their research shows that 49% of female British gamers have experienced some level of abuse or harassment when playing or streaming online. (Source: Guild Esports). They also offer great educational resources, which can be found here.

Through all the hardships that women face just to play an online game, there are still amazing creators who show younger gamers that it is okay to be a gamer. Whilst this is a list of our favourite women in content creation right now, it is crucial to take a moment to appreciate all the women working behind the scenes to make the games we play, as they are just as important as others in the gaming sphere. On to our top three RN:

Pokimane 

Pokimane started streaming in 2013 but didn’t arise to fame until 2017 when she gained a mass amount of followers on Twitch. Since then, she has become the most popular female streamer, reshaping the landscape of gaming. At just 27, Pokimane has become a beacon of inspiration for women in the gaming industry and beyond. With a captivating blend of charm, wit, and skill, she's shattered stereotypes and soared to the forefront of online entertainment. 

From her humble beginnings as a League of Legends streamer to her meteoric rise as one of Twitch's most watched personalities, Pokimane has cultivated an empire built on authenticity and inclusivity. With millions of followers across platforms, she's proven that gaming is not just a man's world. As a vocal advocate for diversity and representation, she's used her platform to champion marginalised voices and spark meaningful conversations about inclusion in gaming. In a landscape where women are often overlooked or underestimated, Pokimane stands tall as a role model, proving that gender is no barrier to success in the world of gaming. Gaming has given her many great opportunities that she wouldn't have been able to get if she hadn't bought a sh*tty PC over a decade ago to start making content. With her infectious passion and unwavering dedication, she continues to inspire a new generation of gamers to embrace their passions and carve out their own paths to greatness.

Lilsimsie

Lilsimsie is a leading force in the realm of simulation gaming, breaking barriers with her distinctive feminine touch. With her creative flair and meticulous attention to detail, she has captured the hearts of fans worldwide. From building virtual homes to creating compelling narratives, Lilsimsie is a great storyteller. With a dedicated following on YouTube and Twitch, Lilsimsie has carved out her own niche in the gaming community, showcasing the endless possibilities of games like The Sims. Through her engaging content and infectious enthusiasm, she has fostered a welcoming space for gamers of all backgrounds to come together and celebrate their shared love for simulation games.

As a woman in gaming, Lilsimsie has faced her share of challenges, but her resilience and passion have propelled her to the forefront of the community and inspired other female gamers to pursue their passions unapologetically. But Lilsimsie's impact extends beyond the screen. As an advocate for mental health awareness and LGBTQ+ representation, she's used her platform to spark important conversations and uplift marginalised voices and strives for gender equality and empowerment in gaming as well as raising thousands for charity. With authenticity and empathy, she's proving that gaming can be a catalyst for positive change in the world. Through her work, she's proving that women not only belong in the gaming world but are essential contributors to its great pool of talent and innovation.

iHasCupquake

iHasCupquake is a visionary force in the gaming industry, and from her early days on YouTube to her current status as one of the platform's most beloved creators, she has carved out a space uniquely her own. She is a trailblazer in paving the way for female gamers since she started her YouTube channel back in 2010. As a champion for women in gaming, she's used her platform to amplify female voices and advocate for greater representation in the industry. Through initiatives like her "Girl Gamer" series and collaborations with fellow creators, she's fostering a community where women can thrive and inspire each other to pursue their passions unapologetically.

Despite facing challenges as a woman in gaming, iHasCupquake has always been committed to her authenticity and creativity. Through her unwavering determination, she has been breaking down barriers and inspiring women to pursue their passions fearlessly. In a world where diversity is often lacking, she's proving that there's power in being true to oneself and celebrating what makes us different. Whilst she has other projects like craft and makeup, she has no plans of ever stopping being a gamer.

 We hope that the community will one day be the best it truly can be where women won't fear speaking or even entering a lobby in a game, and we hope women will finally be treated with the same respect as male gamers! Happy Women’s History month from us at FROW.🧡🎮