From Pixels to Pride: How Gaming is Reshaping Beauty Standards for Young Girls

"This is exactly what my daughters need to see." These words, spoken by a mother seeing Frobelles for the first time, capture the transformative power of representation in children's gaming. In an era where digital experiences shape young minds, the games our children play aren't just entertainment – they're mirrors reflecting what society considers beautiful.

The Digital Beauty Revolution When six-year-old EJ questioned why none of her peers had locs like her, she reached a heartbreaking conclusion: her hair wasn't beautiful. But everything changed when she discovered Krista, a Frobelles character sporting beautiful locs. "She instantly saw herself in this character," shares her mum, Evette from London. "It made her realise how beautiful her hair was."

This transformation isn't unique. With over 100,000 downloads, Frobelles is proving that representation matters, especially in the digital spaces where children spend significant time exploring and creating.

Breaking New Ground in Gaming

The journey to create authentic representation in gaming isn't simple. "Developers aren't thinking about representation in the way it empowers," reflects Frobelles' founder. "My six-year journey in creating, launching, and continually developing the game has highlighted that there is still a way to go before the industry embraces a more inclusive stance on protagonist and character design, particularly regarding Afro hair textures and styles."

But change is happening. Initiatives like the Code My Crown movement and the Afro Hair Library, a free resource built by black artists worldwide under Pretty Drake's leadership, are revolutionising how games represent diverse hair textures.

The Impact on Young Players

"The self-love and especially the hair-love has increased," shares another parent, describing how their daughter Kisa engages with Frobelles. "The first time seeing her creations using the African collection was a thrill. Representation really matters!"

Looking Forward

As we continue to reshape beauty standards in gaming, every download, every play session, and every moment of recognition becomes part of a larger movement. When children see themselves represented authentically in the games they play, they're not just playing – they're building confidence, embracing their identity, and celebrating their natural beauty.

Ready to be part of this digital beauty revolution? Download Frobelles today and join thousands of families celebrating diversity through play.

Download Frobelles Now

About the Movement

Want to learn more about inclusive gaming? Check out the Code My Crown movement and follow Pretty Drake (@prettydrake on Instagram) to discover how artists worldwide are contributing to the Afro Hair Library.

About the Author

Yvonne is the founder and director of Frobelles, the UK's first Afro hair-championing dress-up game. Together with her daughter Alyssa, she created Frobelles after noticing the lack of dress-up games that represented Alyssa's beautiful Afro hair. This mother-daughter collaboration has blossomed into a powerful force for change in children's gaming, with over 100,000 app downloads and growing. Their innovative work has earned multiple recognitions, including the Young Entrepreneur Award at the Small Business Awards, a place in the Startups 100 in 2024, and recognition at the Precious Awards. Through Frobelles, Yvonne and Alyssa continue to champion representation and inclusivity in the digital space, helping children everywhere embrace their natural hair through play.