Self-Concept of Online Game Players: A Phenomenological Study on Female Gamers Experiencing Sexism in the PUBG Mobile Community “KLG Team”

This study explores how female players in the Indonesian PUBG Mobile community “KLG TEAM” construct their self-concept and negotiate gender identity within a gaming environment that is culturally perceived as masculine. Using a qualitative approach through in-depth interviews with four active members, the research reveals that these women face persistent sexism, stereotyping, and exclusion from male players who question their competence. However, rather than withdrawing, they reinterpret such experiences as motivation to strengthen their confidence and prove their capabilities. Guided by the lens of symbolic interactionism, the study highlights the interrelation of mind, self, and society in shaping the players’ perceptions and behaviors. The findings demonstrate that these female gamers develop a positive self-concept through their participation in a supportive all-female subculture that validates their skills and experiences. Their engagement in the KLG TEAM not only provides emotional empowerment but also challenges dominant gender norms in the digital gaming space. Ultimately, the study underscores that female gamers actively reconstruct meanings of femininity, competence, and community in online games, transforming digital spaces into arenas for identity negotiation and gender equity. This research contributes to the growing literature on gender, symbolic interaction, and digital culture, emphasizing how self-concept evolves through interaction and resistance in virtual contexts.