I’m swearing off men…

In video games.

Look this isn’t to hate any of the games that we play as a man, I love them! I recently played through Uncharted 4 and was reminded why I love gaming so much. There is just a lot, I’m someone who CRAVES variety.

I was having a conversation a few months ago about representation, I had recently read an article that spoke about how boys and men are a lot less likely to watch and relate to a girl or women protagonist. Sometimes even being put off by it without ever even giving the story a chance, however its not an issue the other way round. (annoyingly I cant find that article again, but I did come across this reel https://www.instagram.com/reel/DXFc1h9kq23/?igsh=aHJrcHdwbDVkbDY2 recently touching on the topic.) This was specific to anime but I imagine similar in other media including games. I’ve witnessed it with mayamada’s Origins: Against All Odds, as well as conversations around books, tv shows, films ect as soon as its a women as a protagonists I hear the comment “isn’t that for girls”.

The discussion lead on to what we (consumers) can do to see more variety in our games & have better representation. I think it’s putting your money & influence where your mouth is. I personally, among many things, want to see not only more but also better games featuring women. So I had the idea to start a challenge to not buy or play any games where men are the main character. With the uproar that happened in June with the announcement of God of War: Laufey and countless times that I’ve witnessed outrage whenever there’s a women leading a game, on the cover or being represented realistically. I’ve decided now is the perfect time.

So for 9 months starting on 20th July that’s exactly what I’m going to do. I’ll be posting regularly here on my blog as well as occasional story posts, discord & video updates.

Here are the rules I’ll be following:

• Do have to be a playable character or just leading story character? They have to be the Centralised character. (most screen time, most focus on, narrative or the playable character. e.g Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom ❌  Legend of Zelda: Echos of Wisdom ✅)
• Do they have to be women or can they be non binary/gender non conforming? While my challenge focus’s on Women, Non binary & gender fluid are allowed. (just no men)
• Are games allowed to have multiple characters? Sure, However when multiple characters are available to play must play as women character at every available opportunity. (e.g Assassins Creed Syndicate)
• Do games with character creation? Yes, as long as I create a woman.
• How far through the game do I have to get/ amount I have to play for? At Least 30 Mins
• Are multiplayer games allowed (eg marvel rivals)? Yes, must select women presenting character, non binary or gender fluid (where it is clearly stated)
• Do the games have to be new? They have to be games I haven’t completed before.
• What if the main characters an animal? Same rules apply! (Spyro ❌)

I’ll be reviewing the rules every few months and adjusting them based on your suggestions.

Be sure to keep up with my gaming content by following LifeofaWGamer on Instagram, TikTok & YouTube.

(According to the 2025 Global Power of Play report women make up 48% of players)