It’s important that women in esports are fairly represented on-screen and in the playing arena. There are constant reports in the media that at least one-third of women esports professionals suffer a high amount of unnecessary misogynistic abuse. Esports has traditionally been a male pastime, but with so many women wanting to play games such as Valorant and Dota 2, it’s vital that developers inspire everyone to be more accommodating to female viewers and players.

· Equal Opportunities and Abilities

Video gaming concentrates on fast reactions and planning successful strategies. It can be played by anyone and should provide equal opportunities for women as well as men. Research conducted in 2022 reveals that approximately 48% of players are women. However, in professional esports gaming this figure is not realistically portrayed as just 5% of players are female. Kim “Geguri” Se-yeon faced accusations of cheating when her precise shooting abilities helped her outperform male players. Fortunately, Geguri could prove her innocence, but it seems clear that the accusations may never have been made against a male player with similar abilities.

· Successful Women Esports Professionals

Women who have found a pathway into professional gaming teams are usually as talented as their male colleagues. For instance, Sasha “Scarlett” Hostyn has had an amazing career in Starcraft tournaments where she has earned almost $500,000. Yet there is still a great deal of prejudice in teams about including women players. Realistic representation is the only way forward if more girls are to be encouraged to follow their brothers into esports.

· Female Characters in Esports

Software developers such as Riot Games and Valve have realized it’s necessary to update the image of the esports industry. Their games now include a high proportion of female characters. Unfortunately, much of the artwork still persists in portraying women as the voluptuous temptresses of male fantasies. Typical examples include Mirana and Crystal Maiden of Dota 2. Women may generally regard the stereotyped images of a game’s female characters intimidating and degrading. Although in fairness, games do have a few female heroes who are more realistically portrayed. For example, in Dota 2, Marci and the laner,

Phantom Assassin, have a much greater emphasis on their abilities than unrealistic, extravagant glamor.

· Future Female Representation in Esports

Many female esports professionals face difficulties through male prejudice. An inaccurate portrayal of the way female characters look only helps fuel misogynistic views. If esports is to continue its expansion, the industry needs to be more sympathetic to the sensitivities of the women and girls who watch or play the games. Female esports professionals such as Geguri have had to fight battles against male envy and prejudice to find acceptance in esports. With such influential role models, women may have a promising future in esports. Check out Dota 2 at 1337pro to discover realistic female players and heroes in action.