A qualitative analysis of the process of being a female player in digital games in the context of gender

This study examines the experiences of female players in digital games from a gender perspective through a qualitative analysis. The research focuses on the problem of how societal gender norms shape, restrict, or transform the experiences of women in digital gaming environments. A qualitative research method was employed, with data collected through in-depth interviews and comprehensive literature review. The findings indicate that gender norms are deeply entrenched in digital game cultures, leading to frequent experiences of discrimination, exclusion, and harassment among female players. Nevertheless, the study also identifies strategies developed by women to resist and negotiate these challenges, contributing to the visibility and empowerment of female gamers. Additionally, character representations in digital games often reinforce patriarchal standards, positioning female characters in secondary or sexualized roles. The results reveal that digital gaming spaces are not neutral but reflect broader societal power structures. It is recommended that future research conduct comparative studies across different cultural contexts to further understand the evolving dynamics of gender in digital gaming environments.