In Chengdu, I Felt for the First Time That Tencent Can Also Be Loved by Female Players

Summary

Recently, I attended the offline anniversary celebration of Valorant: Source Action (Shouwa) in Chengdu. The event drew huge crowds, with players lining up at check-in points, and the sheer number of attendees even led me to mistake a public restroom for a photo spot. What impressed me most was the surprisingly high proportion of female players at the event, which seemed to outnumber male players. Previously, PC data showed female players accounted for about 30%, but for Shouwa, the ratio has reportedly approached half. This phenomenon sparks discussions on game design, IP appeal, and mobile accessibility. As the mobile adaptation of the Valorant IP, Shouwa has successfully attracted a large female audience, breaking the stereotype that tactical shooters are male-dominated. This could be attributed to its more accessible controls, diverse character designs, and enhanced social features. For the industry, Shouwa's performance demonstrates that mobile tactical shooters can also win over the female market, offering a reference for similar products. Meanwhile, the high engagement at the offline event reflects players' enthusiasm for the IP and Chengdu's vibrant gaming culture. Through this experience, I personally felt Shouwa's broad appeal, especially among female players, which may signal a new shift in the gender dynamics of the gaming market.