More and more celebrity women are revealing their passion and/or interest in video games–and it’s about damn time.
Honestly, it’s taken way too long, but I completely understand why. The growth of esports, mainstream’s interest in streaming personalities like Ninja and college gaming programs have sparked the attention of many.
But because of the skepticism and scrutiny that follows, the question comes whether certain people are joining the gaming world because they are passionate about it or simply trying to gain money?
And it doesn’t help that some women are still judged based upon their looks and other criteria when it comes to the level of passion they have for video games and anime.
We’ve seen the heavy scrutiny with celebrity women when Megan thee Stallion revealed her anime interest and sexist kitchen references when NBA2k revealed Candace Parker and Breanna Stewart’s in-game ratings.
We unfortunately still live in a virtual and real-world where sexism and racism have made some gaming spaces uncomfortable for women to participate in. Luckily, that’s all changing.
On one end, more and more celebrity women are openly talking about video games. Several players from the 2019 USWNT World Cup Champions team, Julie Ertz, Becky Sauerbrunn, Allie Long and Crystal Dunn, recently revealed their love for video games during the Call of Duty: Modern Warfare Multiplayer Universe reveal.
In an interview with Cheddar, they all discussed how gaming was a good way to take their mind off of the stresses from soccer and is something that they all on varying degrees participate in.
“We can all agree [Call of Duty] is the one game we’re all at different skillsets but we can collectively play together,” Krystal Dunn said.
Julie Ertz followed by saying how the team has a PS4 they play on, while Becky Sauerbrunn discussed how her mobile gaming system has helped her to recharge.
Im really happy I managed to catch the second half of the #womenofthefgc panel at #EVO2019
Your story deserves to be heard and i hope you inspire others to follow your lead.
Be sure to continue showing your support for @ComboQueens and @XOAcademyFGC pic.twitter.com/36BdZDEOsL
— TeamKhris ✈️@ Combo Breaker 2024 (@TeamKhrisPlays) August 5, 2019
To see celebrities who are admired by many young women openly talk about video games will only help to contribute to more women being comfortable with engaging and showcasing their love in this space.
On another level, programs like XO Academy, Women in Gaming panels and Bumble’s new all-women Fortnite team are helping to create environments and opportunities for to women to happily revel in their passion for video games.
Because gaming is for everyone and anyone. We shouldn’t be ashamed of it, we should shout our passion from the mountain top and if anyone has a problem, grab that controller because we don’t have to just talk about it anymore.
[jwplayer F8D3sfnr-c0lrQ2af]
