With the audience for video games stretching across genders, ethnicities and ages, the representation within video games is changing. In 2016, only 2% of video games had female protagonists, but by 2020 this had risen to 18%. While women are still underrepresented in video games, the growing number of renegade females in gaming shows women in an entirely new light. To celebrate women’s history month and the London Games Festival, we’ve handpicked our top picks for female characters.
Lara Croft: Tomb Raider
Largely considered to be the first lady of gaming and a member of the Strong Museum’s World Video Game Hall of Fame, Lara Croft is one of the most iconic characters in video game history. Croft started as the female alternative to Indiana Jones and quickly become the go-to female gaming icon of the 90s. Since first appearing in Tomb Raider (1996), Croft has gone from an over-sexualised character to an adventurous icon capable of doing the same as her male counterparts. The most recent reboots showcase her mental toughness and drive plus her ability to drive an arrow through her enemy’s retinas.
Yuna, Final Fantasy X
First featured in Final Fantasy X, Yuna was named in the top 50 greatest video-game heroines in Complex Magazine. Getting her own sequel in the shape of Fantasy X-2, Yuna is always willing to help her team with a desire to achieve her goals. The epitome of strength, Yuna is no stranger to fighting anyone who gets in her way, whether it’s a band of kidnappers, a diabolical suitor or a God she’s worshipped her entire life.
Aveline de Grandpre, Assassin’s Creed
In Assassin’s Creed III, Aveline became the action series’ first playable female assassin. She more than lives up to the legacy of the Assassin’s that came before and GameSpot named her “both adept and brutal in her use of weapons, like the cleaver-shaped sugarcane machete”. From sneaking into a holding cell to posing as a slave, Aveline often uses her various talents to fight the oppression as a woman of mixed parentage living in 18th century New Orleans.
Ellie, The Last of Us
One of the most modern and realistic characters ever designed, Ellie is a survivor. In the face of a fungal apocalypse, she is far from the damsel in distress but instead manages to accept the world that’s falling apart around her. Hardened by the trauma of loss she has experienced so early in life; she uses violence without hesitation as a means of survival. Ellie makes history in video games as the first mainstream game featuring an openly LGBT+ main character.
Clementine, The Waking Dead
Fighting through every snarling, decomposing obstacle that gets in her way, Clementine at only eight years old never gives up her desire to survive. Her fearless attitude is matched by her emotionally charged decisions, which threatened her survival. Her human emotion makes her an inspiring character full of strength and capability.
Chun-Li, Street Fighter
The first female playable character in fighting game history, Chun-Li delivered martial arts combat to prove women protagonists can fight just the same as their male counterparts. First appearing in Street Fighter II: The World Warrior (1991), as a Martial Arts Expert and Interpol Officer, Chun-Li seeks revenge for the death of her father. Her athleticism has made a trailblazer for female characters in fighting titles and general video gaming.
Ready for the gaming life?
Whether you’re a gaming newbie or a veteran player, quality sound is key for the ultimate gaming experience. Check out Majority’s top gaming equipment to celebrate the London Games Festival.
Majority RS Pro USB Microphone
The ideal upgrade for the experienced gamer, or gaming streamer, the Majority RS Pro has everything you need for high-quality recordings. Featuring everything from pop filters to foam covers, the RS Pro delivers flawless vocals, plus comes with a lightweight carry case for gaming on the go.
Majority RS1 Condensing PC Microphone
Perfect for someone new to gaming, the Majority RS1 delivers high-quality sound for flawless recording. Designed for the gamer who is eager to get started right away, the plug and play feature means you as soon as you connect the microphone to your PC or laptop via USB cable, you’re ready to delve into your favourite videogame.
Majority Snowdon Soundbar
With a striking 120W speaker and a built-in subwoofer, the Majority Snowdon is our bestselling soundbar. Delivering surround sound, you’ll experience gaming in cinematic glory. Offering customised sound settings, you can tailor the audio between music, movies and dialogue to suit the game all from an easy-to-use remote control.
Who are your favourite female video game characters? Let us know below who your top picks are. Whether you’re playing a one-person army or you’re surviving an apocalypse, we want to know all about your Majority experience. Tag us on social media with @majorityaudio #majorityaudio #carbonneutralaudio #lovequalitysound #londongamesfestival #womenshistorymonth #femalecharacters #girlgamers
