Stream > Case Studies > Inclusive Online Gaming Community for Women: A Case Study on the*gameHERS

Inclusive Online Gaming Community for Women: A Case Study on the*gameHERS

Technology Category

Analytics & Modeling - Computer Vision Software
Application Infrastructure & Middleware - Middleware, SDKs & Libraries

Applicable Industries

Buildings
Cement

Applicable Functions

Product Research & Development
Sales & Marketing

Use Cases

Building Automation & Control
Clinical Image Analysis

Services

System Integration

About The Customer

The*gameHERS is an app designed to provide a safe, inclusive online environment for women and femme-identifying gamers. It was founded by entrepreneurs Laura Deutsch, Heather Ouida, Verta Maloney, and Rebecca Dixon, who recognized the need for such a platform in the gaming industry. The co-founders have experience in building niche communities for women, with their previous startup, Mommybites, being one of the largest social and educational parenting resources for new and expectant moms in the New York area. The*gameHERS was launched with the mission of amplifying the role, voice, image, and power of women gamers. The app, launched in 2021, centers around an activity feed and in-app chat functionality that connects users based on their interests.

The Challenge

The gaming industry, despite being a popular entertainment medium, is heavily male-dominated, often leading to women feeling alienated and subjected to toxic comments. The*gameHERS, a new app, was created to provide a safe and inclusive space for women and femme-identifying gamers. However, the app required in-app chat and activity feed functionality to power this niche community and enhance the user experience. The co-founders of the*gameHERS needed a solution that could seamlessly integrate with their app and provide a user-friendly interface for their community members. The challenge was to find a reliable and efficient solution that could cater to their specific needs and help them achieve their mission of amplifying the role, voice, image, and power of women and femme-identifying gamers.

The Solution

The*gameHERS co-founders discovered Stream, a provider of chat and activity feed functionality, through an app consultant. After careful evaluation, they decided to integrate Stream’s Chat and Activity Feeds JavaScript Client SDKs with customized UI components into their app. This integration allowed the*gameHERS to have intuitive activity feeds and in-app chat functionality, enabling its users to build relationships and create allies within the gaming industry. The solution was tailored to match the*gameHERS vision and branding, providing a seamless user experience. The integration process was straightforward, and the developers encountered no issues. The co-founders believe that Stream’s activity feed and chat functionalities are the heart and soul of their app, facilitating user interaction and connection.

Operational Impact

The integration of Stream’s Chat and Activity Feeds into the*gameHERS app has significantly enhanced the user experience. The app’s users find the activity feed and chat functionality to be intuitive and instantly usable. The community’s ambassadors can readily welcome new users to the platform by commenting, liking, and reacting to introductory posts. This has fostered a sense of community and inclusivity among the users, which is central to the*gameHERS' mission. The successful launch of the app and the integration of the necessary communication functionality have allowed the co-founders to focus on cultivating an inclusive women’s gaming community and planning future initiatives.

Quantitative Benefit

The*gameHERS app has successfully attracted over 3,000 users since its launch.
The integration of Stream’s Chat and Activity Feeds JavaScript Client SDKs was achieved without any issues, indicating a smooth and efficient implementation process.