Despite the overtly girly themes, bright colors, and whimsical content, online games for girls are played by everyone.
Running at top speed through a kitchen, desperately trying to get out picture-perfect orders while racing against the clock. Putting together relevant and tasteful, or over the top avant-garde looks, red carpet ready or poised to hit the town.
I mean, who doesn’t love the drama fueled frenzy of two best friends fighting over the same guy, what will you do?!
These types of games tend to take a massive left turn from the more mainstream genres of fantasy missions or war games, but they’re gaining traction in the market.
While marketed as online games for girls, these genres are proving to be a big hit for many people of all ages and genders. Particularly mobile gamers, which are statistically women, but a fair few male players are beginning to pick up the puzzle-based titles as well.
Prinxy, an online gaming site devoted to providing the games that girls are looking for says that, “while we definitely market our site to girls, we also are mindful of the fact that parents enjoy these types of games as well- not just to keep an eye on what their children are playing, but because the titles are genuinely fun to play.”
A new study shows that mobile gaming of this ilk is on the rise, and it’s a trend that is perpetrated largely by women. Nearly 64% of women prefer mobile games, and of that number 69% responded by saying they prefer to play more simple games that involve puzzles or simulations.
With cooking and fashion-focused games offering players a chance to disconnect from the heavy stressors of daily life.
The gaming industry at large, though, is still a primary male-dominated, male-centric industry. However, those figures seem to be quickly changing. Perhaps one of the biggest finds to come out of the study was that the majority of women believe that less than 30% of the mobile gaming industry is composed of titles that are geared towards women.
The study also points out that 44% of the titles on google play feature male characters. Leaving some women to seek out specialty sites that feature online games for girls, hoping to find something with better representation.
They are also seeking out these types of titles for their children- of either gender, at a growing rate. “Some parents struggle to find non-violent titles and game genres for their children.” Say Prinxy, as most mainstream games- even those aimed at children, have mature themes and violent undertones. Further alienating the female demographic.
Despite the huge numbers behind mobile gaming statistics, many developers and marketers still seem to be missing the hint. The obvious gender bias certainly isn’t doing the market any favors, leaving many women and girls less likely to talk about the games they play, or even to readily identify as a “gamer”. Which means more time and effort must be spent on marketing to the underrepresented.
However, with more inclusive storylines and content, online games for girls are making a huge impact on the way that many youngsters get in on gaming in the first place. Titles like My Secret Valentine, a fan favorite on Prinxy’s site, use a “choose your own adventure” style storytelling technique that is garnering the interest of kids of any gender.
These types of games are not only soothing but also have some fantastic benefits when it comes to learning essential skills at a young age. Bolstering reading comprehension and decision making. There’s also a suggestion that these games can help to improve empathic traits in players, as they have to listen and consider other characters’ feelings and reactions in order to achieve the desired outcome.
For these reasons and others, games that focus more on traditionally feminine desires and roles take on a context that is relatable and enjoyable to all sexes. Creating an excellent space for relaxation and stress relief, as oftentimes the graphics and plotlines of online games for girls are far less intense than other types of game genres.
Not having to engage the “kill or be killed” sympathetic nervous system, as there’s rarely a perceived threat when choosing which skirt best matches that on-trend top.
Largely, most mobile gamers report that they play these types of titles because they make them feel good about themselves and their actions, as well as provide a near meditative sense of stressful release.
The simple and colorful graphics, as well as easy to follow and enjoyable storylines make them a great way to disconnect from many of the world’s more worrying issues. No matter your age, or gender.
***Sponsored by prinxy***
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Tags: Gamer, Gamers, Gaming, Multiplayer, Online Gaming, Pirnxy, Video games