The Women in Games Manifesto: 2023

Key insights

6 takeaways

01
The document reports that 72% of female gamers experience toxicity in gaming, citing the long-running Female Gamers Survey by Bryter.See it on page 6
02
In the 2022 Bryter survey, 1 in 4 women said they were reluctant to identify as a real gamer.See it on page 6
03
Only 38% of female gamers feel there are adequate processes in place to deal with toxicity in gaming, according to the document.See it on page 6
04
GDC's 2022 report found women's representation in game development had declined to 20%; the document cites Ukie research suggesting it may be as high as 30% in the UK.See it on page 7
05
The authors argue that detailed research is urgently needed into women's representation, including the 'broken rung' at the first step up to management.See it on page 7
06
Women in Games reports over 1,600 Individual Ambassadors across 70 countries, plus more than 40 Corporate and Education Ambassadors.See it on page 9

Summary

Women in Games (WIG) is a UK-based non-profit with a global reach that works to build a fair playing field for women and girls in games and esports. The 2023 manifesto sets out fourteen reasons for supporting women in games, following in the footsteps of the UK suffragists who published 'Fourteen Reasons for Supporting Women's Suffrage' 110 years earlier. It also describes the organisation's approach and activities. The document reports that, according to the Bryter Female Gamers Survey, 72% of female gamers experience toxicity in gaming, and that in the 2022 Bryter survey 1 in 4 women were reluctant to identify as a real gamer. It also states that just 38% of female gamers feel there are adequate processes to deal with toxicity. On representation, it cites GDC's 2022 report finding women made up 20% of the game development community, and notes that Ukie research suggests the figure in the UK may be as high as 30%, while stating that a lack of granular understanding makes true involvement impossible to determine. The authors argue that detailed research into women's representation is urgently needed, and that it is crucial to reveal how women are affected in achieving leadership roles by the 'broken rung' at the first step up to management. The organisation reports over 1,600 Individual Ambassadors across 70 countries and more than 40 Corporate and Education Ambassadors. Its events and initiatives are mostly free at the point of entry, and it relies on the support of Corporate Ambassadors, Sponsors and Donors to fund its work.