Erika Andersson Cederholm

The Swedish digital games industry portrays itself as inclusive and egalitarian, yet structural inequalities persist, particularly for women. Despite progress in gender equality in Sweden, the industry remains male-dominated, with women comprising only 24% of the workforce in 2023. Female game developers often face exclusion, sexism, and limited career opportunities, being relegated to less prestigious roles. This study explores how responsibility for addressing gender inequalities has shifted from organizations to individuals, a process termed responsibilization. Through interviews with Swedish game developers, the research examines how this shift impacts women in the industry.

Findings reveal that female developers experience isolation and are compelled to manage their exclusion through formal and informal networks. These networks provide support, skill development, and warnings about problematic colleagues. However, women also internalize blame for workplace inequalities, leading to self-doubt and guilt. Fear of backlash on social media further discourages them from seeking visibility or recognition for their work.

The study highlights how responsibilization fosters a culture where individuals must navigate systemic issues alone, undermining collective efforts toward equality. While organizations emphasize meritocracy and gender-neutral policies, these often mask persistent structural barriers. The research concludes that shifting responsibility to individuals does not address the root causes of inequality but instead perpetuates them, leaving women to bear the burden of systemic failures. This underscores the need for organizational accountability in fostering genuine inclusivity and equity in the digital games industry.