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Navigating Online Abuse and Unequal Opportunities in India's Thriving Gaming Sector |
In recent years, India's gaming industry has witnessed tremendous growth, fueled by the increasing popularity of mobile games. As the industry expands, it has started opening up to a generation of women and girls who are embracing gaming not only for fun and entertainment but also as a source of income and connection. However, this flourishing landscape is not without its obstacles.
Traditionally, gaming has been viewed as a male-dominated realm in Indian culture. Stereotypes and societal expectations have discouraged girls from engaging in video games, relegating them to more "traditional" pursuits. Sonali Singh, now a successful software engineer, recalls the battles she had to fight as a child for a turn on her brother's video games, with the prevailing belief that gaming was not meant for girls.
Yet, as India's gaming industry evolves, more women are carving out a space for themselves, challenging gender norms and making significant strides. Lumikai, a gaming-focused venture capital fund, released a report revealing that 43% of India's 507 million gamers are female, marking a significant increase in female participation. This surge can be attributed to the accessibility of mobile games, driven by cheap smartphones and widespread internet availability.
Esports, the competitive gaming segment, has also witnessed a surge in female participation. During the COVID-19 lockdowns, esports gained enormous popularity, providing opportunities for players to train, win sponsorships, and participate in global tournaments. The Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry reported that the percentage of female players in competitive esports rose from 12% in 2020 to 22% in 2022.
However, despite these advancements, women in the gaming industry face numerous challenges that hinder their progress. One prevalent issue is the rampant online abuse they endure when interacting with fellow gamers. Women like Sonali Singh, who goes by the online moniker PlayLikeIncognito, face a barrage of verbal abuse, including rape threats and sexist taunts. The level of vitriol directed towards female gamers remains alarmingly high, creating a hostile environment that undermines their enjoyment and participation.
Another significant challenge is the glaring disparity in prize money between male and female tournaments. While women can win around $1,200 in a tournament, open tournaments dominated by male teams offer prizes that are 100 times larger. This stark imbalance perpetuates a sense of inequality and discourages women from fully pursuing careers in competitive gaming.
Despite these obstacles, there are signs of progress and change within the industry. Efforts are being made to create safer spaces for women in gaming through the organization of girls-only or women-only tournaments. Additionally, increased representation of women in games, with female protagonists and narratives that resonate with women, is gradually reshaping the industry to be more inclusive and welcoming to women players.
The potential impact of women's increased visibility in the tech industry extends beyond gaming itself. Salone Sehgal, founding general partner of Lumikai, believes that breaking gender stereotypes in gaming can encourage more women to pursue careers in tech-related fields. Women gamers who achieve success also have the opportunity to challenge societal norms and inspire others to follow their passions.
However, there is still work to be done to address the challenges faced by women in India's gaming industry. Industry leaders and organizations need to proactively tackle online abuse, foster a more inclusive gaming community, and ensure that women have equal opportunities to excel and be rewarded for their skills and achievements.
As India's gaming landscape continues to evolve, the stories of women like Sonali Singh and many others serve as a testament to their resilience and determination. Through their unwavering pursuit of their gaming passions,