Online Abuse Still Hindering Female Gamers

Key insights

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Key finding

One in three female gamers experiences abuse from male counterparts.

This statistic has not improved, remaining stagnant between the 2018 and 2019 Bryter studies. Online abuse continues to be a significant barrier for female gamers.

Forms of abuse

Female gamers face various forms of online abuse, including verbal attacks and threats.

Among those who have experienced discrimination, 31% reported receiving verbal abuse from male players. Additionally, 33% were subjected to inappropriate messages or content.

33%

Affected female gamers receiving inappropriate content or messages

Verbal abuse from male players: 31%
Threats of sexual violence: 14%

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Summary

Persistent online abuse remains a significant barrier for female gamers, undermining both the inclusivity of the gaming community and the industry’s commercial potential. Based on a survey of over 1,000 gamers across the United Kingdom and the United States, the research highlights that harassment against women in online multiplayer environments has failed to improve over the past year. Among those who have experienced discrimination, 31% reported receiving verbal abuse from male players, 33% were subjected to inappropriate messages or content, and 14% faced threats of sexual violence.

This toxic environment directly influences player behavior, as many women choose to hide their gender or avoid online multiplayer platforms entirely to escape harassment. While there has been a marginal increase in the number of female gamers who feel that adequate reporting and moderation processes are in place, only 33% of respondents believe current systems are sufficient. The industry continues to experiment with various tools to mitigate these issues, but effective solutions remain elusive.

Beyond the moral imperative to foster a safe environment, the findings emphasize a strong business case for addressing these challenges. With women representing nearly half of the gaming population and contributing over £1 billion in annual spending, the exclusion of female players from online spaces represents a missed economic opportunity. The industry must prioritize safety and inclusivity to ensure long-term growth and to better serve a critical segment of its consumer base.