Gaming is big business as well as cutting-edge tech. Gaming is forever changing, and one statistic shows that transformation perfectly. According to the latest ESA Global Power of Play report, women now make up 48% of worldwide gamers.

This is very different from the stereotype of gaming being a predominantly male pastime. Women are transforming the gaming industry, from mobile gaming to a greater focus on inclusivity. But as gaming grows, so do its security challenges.

Let’s take a look at how gaming has evolved, and where it may go from here. We’ll also look at how tools like the best VPN for gaming help protect players around the world.

The numbers behind the shift

The ESA surveyed more than 24,000 players in 21 countries around the world. It found that in markets like the US, the UK, and Japan, women represent nearly half of all gamers. In China and Southeast Asia, women make up a major share of mobile and casual gaming audiences.

But it goes beyond that. More and more, women are becoming game creators, streamers, and competitors. From mobile puzzle games to professional esports arenas, women are changing the future of interactive entertainment.

Mobile gaming: the great equalizer

One of the reasons for this shift in what was once a male-dominated pastime is the rise of mobile gaming. Ever since the invention of smartphones with fun and sophisticated games, mobile gaming has become more and more important.

These days, smartphones are the most accessible gaming platform in the world. Titles like Candy Crush Saga and Stardew Valley offer engaging experiences that don’t require an expensive console or PC. Mobile gaming provides the flexibility to play anytime, anywhere, whether for a short or long session.

Plus, mobile games are often more social. Many games connect players through chat systems and co-op missions, creating communities that thrive outside traditional gaming forums.

Expanded storytelling and representation

This increase in the female market for games is changing the way games are made.

Games like The Last of Us Part II and Life Is Strange have strong, nuanced female protagonists that women relate to. Indie developers are also creating deeply personal games exploring identity, relationships, and resilience.

This representation isn’t just window-dressing. There are more women in the gaming industry than ever before, as designers, producers, and esports competitors. Female-led gaming communities and events like Women in Games are changing how gaming culture looks, giving this shift real momentum. The more women see themselves represented in gaming, the more likely they are to become a part of the community.

Benefits of gaming

The sophisticated AAA games of today have come a long way from their primitive ancestors. These days, gaming is one of the most vibrant and vital art forms in the world. And these games are more than just entertainment.

Studies have shown that games can have positive effects on mental health, stress relief, problem-solving, and social connection.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, many games became virtual gathering spaces. Friends met in Animal Crossing, competed in Among Us, and worked together in Fortnite. While the world was shut down, these experiences provided a sense of belonging, stability, and community.

As gaming becomes more integrated into everyday life, it’s clear that this is about more than just escapism. Games can be a legitimate tool for connection, well-being, and creativity.

Online gaming and security

As more people, both men and women, explore the ever-expanding world of video games, it’s important to think about security. Public Wi-Fi connections, phishing scams, and targeted DDoS attacks can compromise personal data and disrupt gaming events. Competitive gamers also face additional challenges, with IP tracking and location links putting gamers at risk.

A Virtual Private Network, or VPN, is an important tool to protect yourself online. By encrypting your internet traffic, a VPN hides your IP address and location and can shield you from online threats.

It’s not just about security, either. A VPN can even boost gaming performance.

Some internet service providers throttle bandwidth during gaming sessions. A VPN can reroute your connection through faster, less congested servers. This reduces latency, which is crucial in fast-paced, competitive games.

A VPN also lets you bypass geo-restrictions. By hiding your real location, it can give you access to games normally not available in your region.

The future of gaming

Gaming keeps growing even as some industries struggle, and nearly half of players are now women. As more people play and compete online, security matters as much as performance. It’s never been more important to protect your connection, and with a VPN for gaming it’s never been easier. A VPN encrypts your traffic, helps reduce throttling for lower latency, and opens access to region locked titles, so you can play safely, smoothly, and wherever you are.