LogInDespite the nearly equal number of women and men among gamers, the percentage of women in leadership positions is still low.
In Q2 2024, of the 83% of internet users worldwide who play games, 91% of female internet users aged 16-24 played video games on any device – almost matching the 92.4% of male respondents in the same age group.
However, an analysis of 60+ gaming companies revealed that only 5% have women in leadership roles, and just 12% of top leaders come from racially diverse backgrounds.
To better understand what it’s like to lead in this space, Xsolla spoke with women breaking barriers in the gaming industry. Interviewees believe exploring overlooked opportunities can be a powerful strategy to avoid intense competition and find unique success.
Angela Dalton, CEO and Founder at Signum Growth Capital, emphasizes the importance of following your instincts, focusing on emerging areas, and actively shaping the industry by claiming space within it.
Leading in industries traditionally dominated by men - whether it’s finance, gaming, or tech - has been an interesting journey, but I’ve always taken the approach of going where others aren’t looking. Early in my career, video games weren’t a focus in big investment firms, so I wasn’t really competing for the same spaces as everyone else. While others were chasing Disney, I was trying to figure out what Epic Games was doing. Interestingly, now Disney is an investor in Epic Games!
My best advice is to go where others aren’t, trust your instincts, and carve your own path. The industry is evolving, and the more we step into these spaces and demand to be part of them, the more we shape them for the future.
Moreover, interviewees noted that many women in gaming often hold themselves to very high standards, which can sometimes lead to underestimating their own achievements.
Dominika Szot, Head of Marketing at GRID esports, observes that with time and reflection, women begin to recognize their success, leading to a powerful boost in confidence. This growing self-assurance not only empowers individuals but also drives innovation and leadership across the industry.
One thing I’ve really noticed is how many women take their achievements for granted. They set an incredibly high baseline for themselves and often don’t realize just how impressive their accomplishments are. And what’s really interesting is watching that mindset shift during our conversation – there’s this moment when they start to recognize how far they’ve come. I love seeing that confidence grow because, honestly, women in gaming (myself included) can be our own toughest critics. More confidence is something we can never have too much of.
If you want to get more interesting facts about the gaming industry, read the Quarterly Xsolla Report Q1 2025:
- Industry Updates
- The gaming industry state of play: 2025 and beyond
- Representation in the games industry
- Tools, solutions, & essentials for game developers
- A guide to new monetization strategies in the mobile gaming landscape