The competitive nature of esports is rapidly expanding. China is among the countries that have demonstrated how lucrative the segment is, with a market size of $3.7 billion in revenue by 2014 alone. Unfortunately, the social demands may make the industry unsuitable for women players, as some respondents have stated from their own experiences.
Rising popularity of esports in China
Esports occupy one of China’s most comprehensive general market spaces, worth billions annually. Chinese teams that are part of the ecosystem also participate in international events, ensuring the prosperity and prominence of China’s esports industry grow and remain known globally.
China’s success in esports can be seen at the top level of international tournaments. Despite some criticism from domestic media early in the development phase, the sector has succeeded and is now drawing millions of viewers and large revenue streams.
Challenges faced by women esports players
Many women esports’ players in China encounter significant family resistance. Traditional norms have discouraged women from pursuing careers in gaming, making it hard for them to follow one of their passions. Society has popularised games as activities for men, leaving women ostracised and constantly questioned about their capabilities and rights to be noticed and accepted in the esports world.
“People wouldn’t recognise my skills because I’m a girl. I wanted to prove them wrong and earn the title of ‘professional player’ so they couldn’t say I cheated or wasn’t good enough,” professional esports player Liu Anqi, told AFP after a game with her all-women club RE-girls.
Women gamers are frequently subjected to harmful, misogynistic remarks online. These comments target their skills, appearances, and personal choices, creating a hostile environment.
“If you make a mistake, they say you don’t deserve to play professionally,” said Wang Qianna, an esports player from Killer Angel Girl Esports Club (KA).
Breaking barriers in esports industry
Women are usually disregarded in mainstream esports clubs, which disadvantages them in their professional advancement and visibility. The discrimination is an embedded bias in the industry. Many women are driven to form their own teams due to a lack of employment and sponsorship opportunities when official clubs don’t offer any reasonable chances.
Even accomplished players like Liooon Li Xiaomeng (pictured above) face baseless accusations undermining their achievements, with critics suggesting male assistance in their gameplay.
“Esports was just for men,” said KA coach Chen Bo, adding that official tournaments for women only began to emerge in the past few years.
In reaction to the rise in exclusion, all-women esports clubs have emerged, providing a secure and nurturing environment for female gamers to develop their skills, thereby preventing incidents of discrimination previously brought against them. A few years back, this competition within the leagues and tournaments provided a platform strictly meant for professional female players in the industry so that the public could witness the display of their tough game and earn social recognition.
Liu Anqi exemplifies the resilience of many women in esports who rise against their detractors while carving a niche for themselves in the industry despite many challenges. Wang Qianna’s tale is a microcosm of the larger struggles of women in esports, fighting online trolls and striving for equal opportunities. Liooon Li Xiaomeng has blazed a trail for women in esports by shattering stereotypes and becoming a beacon of success. Her achievements will resonate with gamers for generations.
Playing for love over money
Most women are drawn into gaming out of curiosity and passion rather than for money or any other interest. Liu remarked that “the greatest number of female participants compete out of love and interest, with pleasure rather than cash.”
The support of family and the gaming community can significantly impact a woman’s journey in esports, offering encouragement and validation in a challenging field.
“I don’t know about this esports stuff,” said Liu’s dad, Yuanjun. Now, it turned out that he had made peace with his soft spot for his daughter but hadn’t watched her professional matches.
Men’s tournaments usually attract five to six times more viewers than women’s, resulting in consistently higher prize money. This gap leads to the social exclusion or financial discrimination of female players. Liu said that owners and players would be more motivated if there were substantial prize money, and only then could they afford quality coaches. With fewer tournaments and lower prize pools, women players often struggle to sustain themselves financially, making it harder to justify a full-time career in esports.
“If the prize money is only US$135,000 or so, and there are only two tournaments a year or… none at all, who will spend the money running a club,” said coach Chen.
In December, Liu and her team battled rivals in the semi-final of last year’s Women’s Open for Honor of Kings, one of the world’s biggest mobile games. Liu’s team lost 3:0, but she was unfazed.
“What others think doesn’t matter as much anymore. Winning a championship is not as important as before. It’s acquiring self-validation that matters,” narrated Liu after an unfortunate game loss.
Increased investment from gaming companies can create more opportunities and a broader environment that effectively draws women into esports. Government policies can include improved or more equitable conditions to encourage the involvement and growth of females in esports. Increased societal acceptance will gradually lead to more recognition of women in esports.
Discover the world’s iGaming community at AIBC Eurasia, February 23-25, 2025. Connect with industry leaders and explore opportunities with the biggest iGaming community in the world.
