Gamer mums want screentime, not stereotypes, on Mother’s Day
Forget fluffy slippers – many mums are keen to slip into gaming worlds this Mother’s Day, and making time for games could deliver long-term benefits too.
New research with mothers in Australia who play video games has highlighted the diverse tastes of gamer mums, and CQUniversity digital media researcher Dr Fae Heaselgrave says mums have many motivations to play.
The study found 80 per cent of mothers who game prefer to play on computers or consoles, with the vast majority favouring action, adventure and strategy titles that provide immersive gaming experiences.
That flies in the face of stereotypes that mums snatch time to play “mindless” phone games.
Dr Heaselgrave, a gamer and a mum, surveyed parents about how they balance caring duties with their gaming interests, and the benefits that come from gaming.
“We know that half of Australia’s gamers are women, but it can be more challenging for mums to enjoy gaming, due to stereotypes about a mother’s role, and concerns about setting a bad example for children,” she said.
A recent article from US gamer news site GameRant is one example of how gaming mums are often perceived, with a reviewer suggesting a life-sims game for Mother’s Day would be “perfect for unwinding, whether it’s through decorating a cozy home, tending to a virtual garden, or befriending charming neighbors.”
Actually, Dr Heaselgrave says most mums want escapism and storytelling in their gaming – not a digital extension of real-life stereotypes.
“To assume that mums will look for games where they are nurturing or homemaking is taking harmful gender stereotypes into the gaming realm – it’s insulting, and just flat-out wrong!”
“Our survey results confirmed that many mums enjoy the creative, strategic and energising aspects of world-building, whilst also appreciating the respite offered from puzzle games.
“But it is the satisfaction, deep sense of achievement and mastery that mothers gain from completing and overcoming in-game challenges that make a real difference to their overall mental health and well-being," she explained.
Dr Heaselgrave says these motivational factors are crucial for understanding the importance and impact of gaming for parenting, and for negotiating family dynamics in the modern digital home.
She also hopes her research might prompt families to give the gift of gaming this Mother’s Day.
"Mums who game say it’s also a way to connect with their children, so why don’t you surprise her with a game or two of Assassins Creed or The Legend of Zelda!” she said.
Dr Heaselgrave’s work is the first in Australia to look at the motivations and experiences of mothers who play video games.
