Women Representation In Online Game: RoV

Abstract

Realm of Valor (RoV) is a mobile MOBA (Multiplayer Online Battle Arena) game, in which two teams compete by controlling one character called “Hero” to destroy the opponent’s base. This study aims to examine the representation of women through female heroes in RoV using qualitative analysis based on representation theory. Data were collected by counting the frequency of five elements of all 45 female heroes: number of Heroes, storyline, appearance, occupation, and relationships. The study found that female heroes are fewer than male heroes and are associated with storylines involving violence. In terms of appearance, female heroes are slim, lack muscularity, wear long-sleeved tops, short skirts, high heels, and accessories, wield weapons, and maintain friendly relationships with other heroes. These features reflect representations of women that remain embedded within patriarchal ideology: women are expected to wear revealing clothing, appear gentle and delicate, hold less prominent roles than men, and display violence only to assert power in a masculine way while maintaining harmony with others. This reproduces patterns of female representation commonly found in other media and video games. Nevertheless, female heroes are depicted in diverse occupations and are not limited to roles emphasizing beauty or serving male desires.