Well, if you think men are the ones occupying the “hardcore gamer” demographic, you’re dead wrong. According to a new survey released by Pew Research Center, women play games as much as men.
However, they don’t normally identify themselves as “gamers.” Which seems to be the reason why gaming industry and community is considered to be dominated by men.
The survey conducted with 2000 participants revealed that 50% of men play video games, while the percentage stands at 48% in women. Meanwhile, only 6% of women call themselves gamers, compared 15% of men.
What’s interesting is that the majority of people consider men to be gamers. 60% of both men and women think games are only played by men, including 57% of women who think the same despite the fact that they play games themselves.
The report mentioned:
- 25% of those who play games (and 39% of self-identified gamers) think most video games help develop good problem solving and strategic thinking skills, compared with just 8% of those who do not play games.
- 17% of those who play video games (and 34% of those who call themselves gamers) think most games are a better form of entertainment than TV. This compares with just 5% of those who do not play games.
- 15% of video game players (and 28% of self-described gamers) think most games promote teamwork and communication. Just 6% of those without gaming experience agree.
The survey also found out that gamers don’t pay much attention to negative portrayal of a game.
- 35% of those who play video games (and 53% of those who identify as gamers) think most games are not a waste of time. This compares with just 13% of those who do not play video games.
- 33% of those who play video games (and 46% of self-described gamers) do not think minorities are portrayed poorly in most games. At the same time, 9% of game players (and 10% of gamers) think most games do portray minorities poorly. Fully 61% of those who do not play video games are unsure what to think on this issue.
- 26% of those who play video games (and 35% of self-identified gamers) do not think women are portrayed poorly in most games. Meanwhile, 16% of game players (and 24% of self-identified gamers) think most games do portray women poorly. A majority of those who do not play video games (55%) are unsure what to think on this topic.
Source: Pew Research Center
