Summary
- Women's influence in gaming spans from early icons to modern indie hits, shaping the industry powerfully.
- Games like Portal, Child of Light, and Tomb Raider showcase strong female leads challenging stereotypes.
- Titles like The Last of Us, Celeste, and Unpacking offer authentic LGBTQ+ representation and powerful storytelling.
Women have always played a key role in gaming—whether as developers, writers, or protagonists breaking new ground. From early gaming icons to modern indie breakthroughs, their influence continues to shape the industry in powerful ways. Women’s History Month is the perfect time to highlight games that celebrate their contributions, whether through strong female leads, innovative storytelling, or representation that pushes gaming forward.
Dames 4 Games Founder Talks Backlash Against Women Protagonists
Despite there being an overall trend toward better representation, Dames 4 Games hopes for a world where Black/female-led games are more normalized.
Some titles feature women surviving against all odds, while others challenge stereotypes or provide authentic LGBTQ+ representation. No matter the genre, these games prove that women belong in every aspect of gaming—on-screen, behind the scenes, and everywhere in between.
10 Portal
A Genre-Defining Heroine And A Sharp-Witted AI
Portal
- Released
- October 10, 2007
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- t
- Genre(s)
- Puzzle
Considered by many to be the epitome of game design and one of the best games of all time, Portal introduced players to Chell, a silent yet resilient protagonist who uses intelligence rather than brute force to navigate the challenges of Aperture Science. Designed by Kim Swift to be an everywoman, Chell represents the strength of persistence in the face of overwhelming odds.
The Strongest Female Villains In Video Games, Ranked
Some of the strongest female characters in gaming lend themselves well to the antagonist role, and these villains aren't the ones to mess with.
Opposing her is GLaDOS, one of gaming’s most memorable antagonists, voiced by Ellen McLain, created by a team that included several female developers. The game’s clever mechanics and dark humor helped cement its legacy, furthered by Portal 2, showing that female-driven narratives don’t have to rely on traditional storytelling to make an impact.
9 Child Of Light
A Beautifully Crafted Fairy Tale Adventure
Child of Light
- Released
- April 30, 2014
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- E10+ For Everyone 10+ Due To Fantasy Violence, Use of Alcohol and Tobacco
- Genre(s)
- RPG
Inspired by classic fairy tales and Studio Ghibli, Child of Light follows Aurora, a young girl who finds herself in a dreamlike world full of danger and wonder. Written like a poem and accompanied by stunning watercolor visuals, the game captures the journey of a girl growing into a warrior.
Many talented women were involved in creating this game that refuses to have the main protagonist rely on a man, including lead designers Melissa Cazzaro and Aurelie Debant, and lead programmer Brie Code. Ubisoft artist and writer Jeffrey Yohalem was inspired by his sister’s childhood experiences, and the game presents a rare, deeply personal story about growing up, independence, and reclaiming one’s power.
8 Tomb Raider (2013)
The Reinvention Of A Gaming Icon
Tomb Raider
- Released
- March 5, 2013
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- M For Mature 17+ Due To Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Strong Language
- Genre(s)
- Action
Lara Croft has been one of the most famous women in gaming for decades, but the 2013 reboot of Tomb Raider gave her a new depth. Instead of the confident, unstoppable adventurer of the early games, this Lara is younger and still discovering her strength.
As she survives harsh conditions, outsmarts mercenaries, and unearths ancient secrets, Tomb Raider paints a compelling story of perseverance. Camilla Luddington’s performance brought new life to the character, proving that female leads in action games could be just as complex as their male counterparts.
7 The Last Of Us
One Of The First Openly LGBT Characters In A Triple-A Game
The Last of Us Part I
- Released
- September 2, 2022
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- M For Mature 17+ // Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Sexual Themes, Strong Language, Use of Alcohol
- Genre(s)
- Action-Adventure
Naughty Dog’s The Last of Us was groundbreaking for many reasons, but its depiction of Ellie as a complex, multidimensional character was one of its biggest achievements.
Her story is one of survival, love, and loss, and her identity as an openly queer character helped push mainstream gaming toward better LGBTQ+ representation. The DLC Left Behind explored her relationship with Riley, marking a rare moment of authentic representation in a major AAA game.
6 Princess Peach Showtime
A Leading Lady Takes Center Stage
Princess Peach: Showtime!
- Released
- March 22, 2024
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- e
- Genre(s)
- Action-Adventure
After years of being known as the princess in distress, Peach finally steps into the spotlight in Princess Peach: Showtime! The game reimagines her as an active, shape-shifting heroine who takes on different roles—ranging from a swordfighter to a detective—proving that she is more than capable of handling her own adventure.
What Was Your Favorite Princess Peach: Showtime! Transformation?
Before I got my hands on Princess Peach: Showtime, I thought that Patisserie Peach would be my favorite transformation. However, once I got the game, I was shown otherwise. In my opinion, Dashing Thief Peach is the best transformation in Princess Peach: Showtime. You get to escape buildings on a glider that's pretty fun to control, grapple hook onto platforms, and complete fun heist missions. It's a hoot!
Her previous game, Super Princess Peach, in which she saves Mario using the power of her emotions, was released in 2005, leaving a full 19 years between titles starring the toadstool princess. It’s a long-overdue moment for one of gaming’s most well-known female characters.
5 Celeste
A Story Of Strength, Mental Health, And Self-Discovery
Celeste
- Released
- January 25, 2018
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- E10+ For Everyone 10+ Due To Alcohol Reference, Fantasy Violence, Mild Language
- Genre(s)
- Platformer
At first glance, Celeste is a challenging platformer about climbing a mountain, but underneath that lies a deeply personal narrative about battling self-doubt.
Madeline, the protagonist, struggles with anxiety and identity, and her journey mirrors the real-life experiences of the game’s creator, Maddy Thorson, who came out as nonbinary after the game’s release. Celeste became an instant classic for its pitch-perfect gameplay, its meaningful storytelling, and its message that resilience and self-acceptance go hand in hand.
4 Unpacking
Winner Of Best LGBTQ Indie Game And Authentic Representation
Unpacking
- Released
- November 2, 2021
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- E
- Genre(s)
- Puzzle
Unpacking tells an entire life story without a single spoken word, simply through the act of placing objects in a home. Over the course of the game, players piece together the journey of a woman as she moves through different stages of life—including an LGBTQ+ relationship.
The subtle storytelling, combined with the game’s cozy, meditative gameplay, earned it awards for its authentic representation. It’s a testament to how powerful storytelling can be, even in its quietest moments.
3 Journey
An Emotionally Powerful Adventure From A Female Creative Director
Journey
- Released
- March 13, 2012
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- E For Everyone due to Mild Fantasy, Violence
- Genre(s)
- Adventure
Thatgamecompany’s Journey is a captivating example of how video games can also be art. Players control a robed traveler crossing vast landscapes toward a distant mountain, encountering anonymous companions along the way.
Designed by Jenova Chen and directed by Robin Hunicke, the game offers a wordless, emotional experience that encourages cooperation and discovery. With its breathtaking visuals and a soundtrack that tells its own story, Journey is a game about connection, perseverance, and the beauty of the unknown.
2 Centipede
A Classic Arcade Game Designed By A Female Developer
Arcade Classic 2: Centipede / Millipede
- Released
- August 1, 1995
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- everyone e10+
- Genre(s)
- Shooter
Released in 1981, Centipede was one of the earliest arcade hits, and it holds a special place in gaming history as one of the first major titles designed by a woman. Dona Bailey, one of the few female game developers at the time, co-created Centipede at Atari, helping design its mechanics and distinctive visual style.
The game’s fast-paced, colorful gameplay made it a standout in the arcade era. Bailey’s work paved the way for more women in game development, proving that the industry was not just a boys’ club even in its earliest stages.
1 Animal Crossing: New Horizons
A Game That Celebrates Community And Self-Expression
Animal Crossing: New Horizons
- Released
- March 20, 2020
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- Everyone / Comic Mischief, Mild Fantasy Violence, Users Interact, In-Game Purchases
- Genre(s)
- Simulation
While Animal Crossing has always been a beloved series, New Horizons became a cultural phenomenon, particularly for women gamers and LGBTQ+ players. The game’s emphasis on creativity, community, and self-expression allowed players to build their own ideal worlds, free from judgment.
Women developers, such as Aya Kyogoku, played a major role in shaping the series, ensuring that Animal Crossing remained a welcoming and inclusive space for all. Aya Kyogoku was also the first woman to ever direct a video game at Nintendo with Animal Crossing: New Leaf.
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