Dispelling stigma and enduring bias: exploring the perception of esports participation among young women

Abstract This study examined how female players engage with Honor of Kings (HOK), a mobile Multiplayer Online Battle Arena (MOBA) game, focusing on the facilitating and inhibiting factors shaping their participation in this traditionally male-dominated domain. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 31 female players (aged 18–29). The analysis primarily focused on how social factors, attitudes, and perceived behavioral control influence their gaming experience in HOK. Additionally, thematic analysis was utilized to explore themes related to the experiences of female participation in HOK, societal perceptions of esports, gender biases, and online toxicity. The results indicate that HOK has successfully broadened female participation in esports through social media integration and esthetic appeal. However, traditional cultural norms and masculine gaming culture, manifested in gender discrimination and online harassment, significantly challenge women’s inclusive participation in the esports ecosystem. This study is the first to explore women’s experiences as primary players in mobile esports, providing fresh insights into gender dynamics in esports. The research expands understanding of the relationships between game design, social integration, and cultural barriers in esports participation.