Gender Discrimination in Virtual Gaming Communities: Experiences and Coping Strategies among Female Players in Vietnam’s League of Legends Community

Abstract

Online gaming has become a significant aspect of modern society, driven by the development of digital technology and attracting millions of players worldwide. As a result, issues of general and gender discrimination have gained increased attention in recent years, as more women participate in online gaming but often face harassment, exclusion, and stereotyping. This article examines female players’ experiences and perceptions of gender discrimination within the Vietnam League of Legends community, as well as their coping strategies. Results from an online survey of 169 female players and semi-structured interviews with 14 male players and four female players reveal that female players have faced gender discrimination – including verbal abuse featuring offensive language, derogatory comments about their intelligence, and doubts about their gaming skills – which diminishes their sense of belonging to the League of Legends community. To cope with this discrimination, female players tend to avoid, deny, or conceal their gender, which perpetuates male dominance in online games and excludes females, and reduces their motivation to engage in online gaming communities. Therefore, the study suggests that Riot Games and other stakeholders in Vietnam should implement a coordinated system that combines AI-powered reporting, transparent disciplinary procedures, partnerships with eSports organizations, gender-specific safe spaces, and educational programs to create a more inclusive, fair, and respectful gaming environment for all players.

Received: 7^th October, 2025; Revised: 18^th November, 2025; Accepted: 18^th April, 2026