Launching a Feminist Video Games Site in 2026: Here’s Why
The landscape of the video game industry is evolving, particularly in response to various societal changes. In 2026, the rise of an independent feminist gaming publication named Mothership marks a significant shift. This initiative aims to provide a platform that reflects diverse identities and experiences within the gaming community.
About Mothership
Mothership is a gender and identity-focused gaming publication co-founded by former Polygon games editor Zoe Hannah and a seasoned games journalist. The website is independent and worker-owned, relying on subscriber support to operate. It aims to deliver comprehensive coverage of modern game development, including:
- Investigative reporting
- Game reviews
- Critical essays
- Historical insights into game development
A Response to Industry Challenges
The gaming industry is facing numerous challenges, including recent layoffs and a retreat from diversity initiatives. According to the GDC State of the Game Industry survey for 2025, 66% of game developers are male, down from 75% in 2020. While this indicates progress, it also highlights the ongoing struggle for inclusivity in gaming.
Many existing gaming media outlets have struggled to cover critical narratives while ensuring the safety and motivation of their staff. Mothership aims to fill this gap, serving a demographic that has often felt marginalized in gaming culture.
The Impact of Economic Changes
The journalism landscape is grappling with a monetization crisis, complicating efforts to sustain quality reporting. Traditional advertising revenue models are increasingly ineffective, especially in niche markets like feminist gaming. Mothership is positioning itself to overcome this by fostering a direct relationship with its readers.
Building a Community
Since its inception, Mothership has already attracted over 1,200 paid subscribers. This early success underscores the demand for a publication that caters to a diverse audience outside the conventional gamer stereotype. The founders are keen to serve readers who have often felt excluded from mainstream gaming narratives.
The Vision Ahead
The founding of Mothership is not just timely; it reflects a critical need for diverse representation in gaming media. The publication seeks to uplift voices that resonate with the experiences of women, non-binary individuals, and LGBTQ+ gamers. The founders are committed to ensuring that Mothership thrives as a platform for underrepresented perspectives in gaming.
With Mothership, the hope is to create a vital space for community engagement and storytelling in the gaming industry. The journey of this publication illustrates that it’s not too late to push for change, creating a future where gamers of all identities can feel represented and celebrated.
