Confessions of a Female Gamer
At home, I’m Dolya Gavanski - actress, filmmaker and mother to a son whose gaming obsession drives me crazy. But for over 35 million people, I’m the voice of Zarya – the “strongest woman in the world” from the smash-hit game Overwatch. What began as a job to pay the bills thrust me into the strange world of fans and fan conventions, which I cared little for - until I was invited to join a campaign against the abuse faced by young female gamers online. Learning about this misogyny made me question the world I’d lent my voice to, and think about the millions of women choosing to inhabit it. I reached out to them and they invited me - or rather Zarya - into their lives.
Travelling from England to Finland, Germany, Bulgaria and the USA, I was overwhelmed by their stories. For these women, gaming is more than a hobby – it’s a lifeline. Battling cultural, societal and family pressures, they’ve been ‘othered’ by a world that doesn’t fully see them. The game helps them rewrite their narratives, form connections, fall in love, and find empowerment. I realised Zarya had become an avatar for their resilience. But to what extent can they channel that strength offline?
At the heart of this story is a long-distance love affair that takes place entirely online for years before the two lovers finally get to meet in real life.
Travelling from England to Finland, Germany, Bulgaria and the USA, I was overwhelmed by their stories. For these women, gaming is more than a hobby – it’s a lifeline. Battling cultural, societal and family pressures, they’ve been ‘othered’ by a world that doesn’t fully see them. The game helps them rewrite their narratives, form connections, fall in love, and find empowerment. I realised Zarya had become an avatar for their resilience. But to what extent can they channel that strength offline?
At the heart of this story is a long-distance love affair that takes place entirely online for years before the two lovers finally get to meet in real life.