A look at 5 of the most beloved and played games by women and girls, from simulation and farming titles to team-based shooters and puzzles, in celebration of International Women's Day.
International Women's Day is coming up on March 8th, and what better way to celebrate the achievements of women than by highlighting some of the most popular and beloved games played by women worldwide. While gaming has long been perceived as a male-dominated space, data has shown women now make up close to half of all gamers. Let's take a look at 5 games that have captured the hearts and minds of countless women.
Genres: Life simulation game, Free-to-play, Casual game, Strategy Video Game, Simulation Game, Adventure
Developers: Maxis, The Sims Studio, Blind Squirrel Games
Platforms: PlayStation 4, Microsoft Windows, Xbox One, Mac operating systems
Nintendo's island life simulation proved especially resonant during the pandemic. Women enjoy personalizing their island getaway with a variety of furniture, decorations and custom design options. Scavenging for resources like fish, bugs and resources never feels like a chore. Talking to adorable animal villagers and attending colorful in-game events provides everyday low-stakes enjoyment. Players take satisfaction in cultivating their own paradise at their own pace outside of achievements or scores. The tranquil and relaxing vibe continue to charm female fans.
Genres: Adventure game, Life simulation game, Social simulation game
Developers: Nintendo, Nintendo Entertainment Planning & Development
Platforms: Nintendo Switch
Nintendo's island life simulation proved especially resonant during the pandemic. Women enjoy personalizing their island getaway with a variety of furniture, decorations and custom design options. Scavenging for resources like fish, bugs and resources never feels like a chore. Talking to adorable animal villagers and attending colorful in-game events provides everyday low-stakes enjoyment. Players take satisfaction in cultivating their own paradise at their own pace outside of achievements or scores. The tranquil and relaxing vibe continue to charm female fans.
Genre: Puzzle Video Game
Developer: King
Platforms: Android, Microsoft Windows, iOS, Web browser, Windows Phone, Tizen, Fire OS
With over 2.7 billion downloads, Candy Crush Saga is a puzzle game phenomenon. Matching colored candies to clear levels and gain new powers or boosters is compellingly simple yet strategically engaging on a momentary basis. Visual and sound cues provide constant positive reinforcement as does leveling up one's profile. While strategic thinking is involved, there's no harsh failure state - levels can be replayed at leisure. Frequent limited-time events and new landmarks keep the core addictive candy combat fresh. Its balanced, stress-free yet still mentally stimulating gameplay has broad appeal among women.
Genre: Strategy Video Game
Developer: Zynga
Platforms: Android, Microsoft Windows, iOS, Windows Phone, Fire OS
The idyllic farming simulation allows players to cultivate lands, raise livestock and craft aesthetically unique rural environments. Women can take pride in running efficient operations while engaging in low-pressure activities like harvesting crops, gathering eggs from chickens or tending to scenic pastures. Much like real farming, its relaxed pace and cycle of incremental growth is gratifying. Social elements like visiting friends' farms or joining co-op activities further enhances the appeal. The pastoral virtual world continues to charm female players after all these years.
Genres: First-person shooter, Fighting game
Developer: Blizzard Entertainment
Platforms: PlayStation 4, Windows, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch
With an aesthetically diverse cast of heroes, players can engage in fast-paced team-based combat on their own terms. Its accessible 20-hero combat system means no single hero is required to contribute. Meanwhile welcoming communities and inclusive messaging breaks down stereotypes. While reflexes and teamwork are needed to win, Overwatch 2 doesn't feel intimidatingly competitive or penalizing towards any playstyle. Hero options suit all preferences from support and tank to damage roles. Its vibrant world and heroes inspire diverse female fans to get involved in competitive gaming outside traditional genres.
On International Women's Day, let's celebrate all the girls and women who have found entertainment, escapism, and community through these beloved gaming worlds. No matter the genre, gaming brings people together and provides memorable experiences for all.
