Representing Women in Video Games

Introduction

The cover for the course workbook. The artwork, Controller with Ribbon, was created by Amber in 2024.

I designed AHVS 392 – Special Topics in Art History & Visual Studies: Representing Women in Video Games in 2023, in response to a request from the Art History & Visual Studies department at the University of Victoria to develop a new course in video game studies. It was first taught in Spring 2024, and was delivered again with modifications in Spring 2025.

Course Description

In this course, we will explore the dynamic intersection of feminist, media, and gaming theories. We will analyze video games, spanning different time periods, genres, and platforms, with a critical focus on the portrayal of women. Our aim is to learn and engage with feminist perspectives, alongside other gender perspectives and and gaming theories, to dissect the complexities of female representation, agency, and empowerment within one of the most influential forms of contemporary media. We will study narratives, character designs, and cultural implications embedded in video games, examining how they shape and reflect societal attitudes towards gender.

This course goes beyond the theoretical realm, engaging with the experiences of women working in the field. Guest speakers from various sectors of the video game industry will be featured throughout our classes, including QA analysts, programmers, streamers, and academics. Gain insights into the practical aspects of game development, industry trends, and the benefits and barriers that women have encountered in the pursuit of making games.