Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) games are flourishing in the mobile gaming industry, providing immersive experiences for users. However, incidents of sexual harassment and assault have been reported in VR game environments, raising concerns about player safety. Female players are often targeted, and women in the gaming industry face persistent negativity and hostility.
A paradox exists within the AR and VR technology sphere: while players often dismiss accusations of sexual assault as overdramatized due to the simulated nature of the environment, the same player may still feel genuinely violated by another user's actions. VR games are designed to trick the player's body into thinking they are in the actual environment, so virtual acts of abuse can feel real to the victim. As VR gaming continues to grow in popularity, the need for regulatory measures increases.
To counter incidents of violence and degrading treatment of women in gaming, the first step is raising awareness among players and consumers. Legislation should be proposed to protect female players in esports. Users should be required to provide verified identification when playing virtual games, reducing the likelihood of bad actors using anonymity to their advantage.
Game developers should prevent players from making sexist or abusive remarks to female users, and ban profiles that are derogatory or sexist. Governing protocols should establish a set of rules that users must follow, and developers must take responsibility for user violations without protective features.
In addition, developers should ensure that their games do not contain malicious or obscene features targeting female characters. Implementing global agreements or terms of service that encompass accepted standards of land rights, identification, regulations, and penalties can help protect users. Lifetime bans for those who threaten others and disclose personal information could be effective ways to deal with online abuse.
By raising awareness and implementing protective measures, VR and AR gaming environments can become safer and more inclusive spaces for all users.
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