Gaming and Olympics. A gender perspective

The Paris 2024 Olympics are the most gender-equal Games in history, with women making up 50% of all athletes. This milestone is a major step toward gender equality in traditional sports, and it sets a powerful example for the gaming industry to follow. How did it start?

Gender inclusion at the Olympics has been a long and evolving journey. The modern Olympic Games, revived in 1896, initially excluded women entirely, reflecting the social norms of the time. It wasn't until the 1900 Paris Games that women were allowed to participate, albeit in a limited capacity and in only a few sports such as tennis and golf. Over the decades, the inclusion of women in the Olympics has gradually expanded, with milestones such as the introduction of women’s athletics in 1928 and the eventual inclusion of all Olympic sports for women by the 2012 London Games. The 2024 Paris Olympics is now a landmark event, with a near equal gender balance in participation, reflecting ongoing efforts by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to promote gender equality. However, challenges remain in achieving true parity, particularly in leadership roles and media representation, underscoring the continued need for progress in gender inclusion at the Olympic Games.

The conversation around including esports in the Olympic Games has gained significant momentum, raising crucial questions about the future of gaming and traditional sports. The inclusion of gaming in the Olympics would officially recognize our sector as a competitive and professional discipline, opening new opportunities for players worldwide. But what does this potential shift mean for the gaming community, and especially for women? If esports are to be included in the Olympics, we must ensure that participation in both virtual and physical competitions is fair and inclusive for everyone. To ensure this evolution is truly inclusive, we must commit to promoting diversity and gender equality from the outset.

Looking at the numbers, the global esports market is projected to reach $1.8 billion by 2025, with a growing audience that is expected to surpass 640 million viewers globally by 2026. Yet, despite this rapid growth, gender disparity remains a significant challenge.

Currently, women represent only 22% of the workforce in the European games industry and a mere 5% of leadership roles within esports organizations globally.

Moreover, a 2023 study by Women in Games showed that over 70% of women in gaming have experienced gender-based discrimination or harassment. This highlights the urgent need for more inclusive practices and policies within our industry, especially as it gains greater visibility on a global stage like the Olympics.

Women in Games and other advocacy groups are championing a future for gaming built on respect, equality, and inclusion. The Olympics could serve as a unique platform to showcase the potential of gaming to the world, but only if we ensure that all voices—including women’s—are heard and celebrated.

How can we leverage this opportunity to accelerate change and ensure that women in gaming have the same opportunities and visibility?

One key approach is fostering partnerships between gaming companies, eSports organizations, and advocacy groups like Women in Games. By creating mentorship programs, scholarships, and targeted initiatives aimed at empowering women and underrepresented groups, we can build a more inclusive pipeline of talent that feeds directly into these high-profile events. Additionally, advocating for equal representation on eSports teams, leadership positions, and in the media coverage surrounding these competitions is essential. This not only enhances visibility but also challenges the stereotypes that have long held back progress in the industry. As we push for these changes, it's crucial to engage both male and female allies in the conversation, ensuring that the journey toward equality is a collective effort.

By uniting our voices and resources, we can make sure that when gaming takes the Olympic stage, it does so as a model of diversity, equity, and inclusion. The stakes are high, but so are the rewards—a more vibrant, dynamic, and innovative gaming community that truly reflects the global audience it serves. Let’s seize this moment to reshape the future of gaming and sports, ensuring that every player has a chance to compete and shine on the world’s biggest stage.

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