To bring more attention to mobile gaming, Google has launched an initiative. Change the Game has already conducted research on how women play and how real the gender gap in gaming is. Google plans to conduct various programs, partnerships and research on similar topics in 2018.
Google Play commissioned a study on how women play and perceive mobile games. Surveying more than 3,000 people between the ages of 10 and 65 in the U.S., it found that 49% of mobile gamers are women.
Women are more likely than men (64% to 38%) to prefer mobile devices over other gaming platforms. Overall, 43% of women surveyed play five times a week or more, compared to 38% of men. They cite as goals: entertainment or stress relief.
Despite this, Google found that most games identify with the male gender (through paraphernalia or a main character). Because of this, the company believes, it gives the impression that women play a lesser role in games.
The majority of games (60% of the time, the majority of the time, the majority of the time) are played by men.
The majority (60%) of women who play mobile games believe that 30% or less of mobile games are made for women.
Google claims that “the industry’s lack of diversity limits its ability to create games that resonate with a broad and diverse audience.” The company summarized this data in a website that explores the relationship between women and mobile gaming in the U.S.
In light of this, Google is launching initiatives in three areas. To address how “male themes and characters monopolize attention,” the Indie Corner Play Store will highlight games with strong female characters. In 2018, the company plans to highlight some notable female players and the variety of games for them.
In 2018, the company plans to highlight some notable female players and the variety of games for them.
In addition, Google’s Made With Code program will continue to encourage girls to enroll in information technology majors.
