A history of women’s interest in gaming

The early days: arcades and Ms. Pac-Man

The 1980s marked the beginning of mainstream video gaming when arcades became popular. While games like Space Invaders and Donkey Kong drew large audiences, the release of Ms. Pac-Man in 1982 was a turning point for female gamers. Designed as a sequel to the iconic and widely popular Pac-Man, Ms. Pac-Man introduced a female protagonist, appealing to a broader audience and becoming a cultural icon in its own right. The game’s success showed the industry  that women were interested in gaming, as well as a significant market segment deserving of attention.

 

Console gaming and the introduction of diverse titles

As gaming moved people’s living rooms with consoles like the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) and Sega Genesis, women continued to engage. The introduction of games like Tetris on the Game Boy in the late 1980s further demonstrated the appeal of puzzle-based games, attracting women who enjoyed the challenge and strategy involved.

 

Life simulation games and the rise of The Sims

The late 1990s and early 2000s saw the emergence of life simulation games, a genre that resonated strongly with female gamers, and still does today. The launch of The Sims in 2000 was a milestone moment, giving players the ability to create and manage virtual lives. If you were born in the 90s like me, you’ll have spent time at some point creating your own family in your dream home with your dream garden (until they eventually die because you forgot to put a ladder in the swimming pool). Created by Maxis and published by Electronic Arts, The Sims allowed creative freedom and social simulation, attracting a huge, diverse audience, including many women. The game's success spurred numerous expansions (17, as of February 2025) and sequels, cementing its place as one of the best-selling PC games of all time.

 

Portable gaming and the appeal of Nintendogs

The introduction of portable gaming systems like the Nintendo DS in 2004 opened up access to video games and introduced titles that appealed specifically to women who perhaps weren’t already part of the gaming world. Nintendogs, released in 2005, allowed players to care for and train virtual puppies. We had a great time naming our puppies, feeding them special food when we had the means, training them and presenting them at some sort of Nintendo variation of Crufts. What a throwback. The game's accessibility and charming concept made it a massive success, selling millions of copies worldwide and proving that women were a powerful force in the gaming market.

 

Mobile gaming and the rise of casual play

When smartphones entered the scene and became the default mobile, mobile gaming exploded, offering quick, accessible gameplay to a wider audience. Games like Candy Crush and FarmVille became household names, with women making up a significant portion of their player bases. The convenience of mobile gaming allowed women to engage with games on their terms, expanding the gaming community.

 

Online multiplayer games and female representation

As online multiplayer games grew in popularity, so did female participation in traditionally male-dominated genres like first-person shooters (FPS) and massively multiplayer online role-playing games (MMORPGs). Titles such as World of Warcraft have large and active fan communities of women. Furthermore, game developers have increasingly included strong, relatable female characters; look at Melania, Kassandra, Lara Croft.

 

The role of women in game development

Beyond just playing games, women have significantly impacted game development. Pioneers like Roberta Williams, co-founder of Sierra On-Line, and Amy Hennig, known for her work on the Uncharted series, have shaped the gaming landscape. Today, initiatives like as Women in Games encourage more women to pursue careers in game development.

 

As gaming continues to evolve, women’s participation will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in the future of the industry. From streaming platforms like Twitch, where female gamers have established influential communities, to the growing popularity of esports, women are breaking down barriers and redefining what it means to be a gamer.

As the industry progresses, the contributions and interests of female gamers will continue to enrich and diversify the world of gaming. By recognising and celebrating these contributions, we move closer to a more inclusive and representative gaming culture for everyone.

If you fancy pursuing a career in game development, read What skills do you need to break into game development? and check out our range of coding courses.

 

Header image credit: dannyburn - stock.adobe.com