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So, it seems the writer doesn't know much about gaming, and the platform they wrote on doesn't talk about gaming. It makes us wonder, why now? And why release an article with such poor research and editing in the first place?
Alongside that, why did E3 pick it up?!? E3 of all places. Their slogan is literally ‘Everybody Plays’. Sure, the article was taken down from the original site, but what purpose does sharing this article serve for them?
So, firstly, the article places games into a gender binary - "women's games" and "games" (note, not "mens' games"). Ignoring the fact that gender isn't binary, using "male" and "female" as denominators is incredibly TERFy.
Next is genres. Which genres are for women, and why? Most of the games on this list are puzzle games, life sims, or mobile games. Many of the descriptions also seem to focus on ‘dress up’ elements of the games, suggesting character creation and customisation is only for women.
Then are all other games not womens’ games? Why? Why does this article assume that women are only interested in certain ‘feminine’ genres, rather than recognising the presence of women throughout the gaming community?
So what makes a game masculine or feminine? If you only read this article, you would assume that feminine games are low stakes, often with simpler controls and with no competitive element. A large number of these games are also farm-themed? Do women just like crops?
Also, it indicates that women can’t be can't be "gamers" without explicitly being “women”. It tells us that gaming isn’t for women, and allows sexists to justify harassment when they do encounter women in games that aren’t “women’s games”.
Speaking of which, who on earth said that women don’t play violent games? Errol might be the better shot, but Sara’s the one who’s more invested in The Last of Us Part II, and last we checked, that’s pretty violent.
These "free" games aren't free. This is just bad journalism. The article initially says that the games are all free, but then goes on to list their prices. The titles on this list include £60 triple A games. Who edited this?
Besides why must games for women be "free"? Initially we thought it might be because free games don’t require a monetary commitment, and are better suited to ‘casuals’ (which apparently all women are). But some of the top games out there are free to play, like Fortnite and Apex.
TW// diet culture
This article also focuses an uncomfortable amount on diet culture, as if assuming that all women are obsessed with their weight. Candy Crush is described as “dessert without the calories!” Just Dance 2020 is recommended as a weight loss method.
This article also focuses an uncomfortable amount on diet culture, as if assuming that all women are obsessed with their weight. Candy Crush is described as “dessert without the calories!” Just Dance 2020 is recommended as a weight loss method.
TW// diet culture
And don’t get us started on Tetris. This game is one of the most successful titles of all time, having sold 202 million copies worldwide. And yet, it’s most important feature - “Playing for as little as three minutes has been [shown] to weaken cravings.”
And don’t get us started on Tetris. This game is one of the most successful titles of all time, having sold 202 million copies worldwide. And yet, it’s most important feature - “Playing for as little as three minutes has been [shown] to weaken cravings.”
As we mentioned earlier, many of these are mobile games. And on top of that, games like Sudoku and Solitaire are cop-outs as they are just digital versions of other games. Are women not also allowed to take part in console or PC games? Do men not play Candy Crush?
This article also makes a throwaway comment about gaming as a valid form of self care. Whilst this can be true (to an extent), would this same point be made in a gaming listicle aimed at men?
The writer also seems to have no knowledge of wider social issues affecting the world, because they included a Harry Potter game in this list. As we all know, JKR is a big ol’ TERF, so this game is insensitive at best, and at worst, a targeted exclusion of trans women.
So, provided that the person running E3’s Twitter account actually read the article, why did they share it when it’s so obviously and explicitly bad? While we presume (or, hope) these aren’t the views of E3/the Entertainment Software Association, it definitely comes across badly.
Overall, this article is bad and we don’t know who should feel worse - the original platform that published it, or E3 who decided to share it on their huge platform specifically aimed at gamers. Let’s be sure to hold the right people to account.
