Do Men Advance Faster Than Women? Debunking the Gender Performance Gap in Two Massively Multiplayer Online Games

Abstract

Prior research on digital games illustrates a perceived gender gap in participation and

Gender-based Engagement Model for Serious Games

“…Computer games are approaches that provide direct interaction with the player interface to produce visible reactions towards the game device or computer and encourage diversion, play, and competition [15]. Recently, digital games have been considered as one of the most common, fast-growing entertainment methods, raking in a universal market size of $93 billion [16]. Video games have many benefits; it improves the imagination and logical thinking of the players.…”

“…It is part of a sorting process for people to make sense of the world despite creating undesirable connotations [39]. Many types of research report that the gaming society and industry usually deal with women as enemies, labeling them with gender stereotypes, sexism, and harassment [16]. In addition, prior studies on digital games state that men play more and are better gamers than females [16].…”

“…Many types of research report that the gaming society and industry usually deal with women as enemies, labeling them with gender stereotypes, sexism, and harassment [16]. In addition, prior studies on digital games state that men play more and are better gamers than females [16]. There is still a negative stereotyping of the female gender, while at the same time, people hope to increase the representation of the female gender in games so they could rival the male representation [17].…”

“…The Entertainment Software Association (ESA, 2013) report revealed that there are 47% female and 53% male players among the American gamer population [39]. Additionally, the Interactive Software Federation Europe (2012) reported that 43% of all women aged 16 to 64 play digital games [39], [16].…”

“…Females do not like to play video game genres that require commitment [46]. The motivation preference elements in gaming for females are challenge, escapism, fun, social interaction [16], motivation, fantasy, competition, and arousal [49].…”