“Are you still playing that game?” You’ve probably been asked that question more than once, but it’s not just the girls complaining anymore. More and more, husbands and boyfriends are playing second fiddle to computers and consoles as 38 percent of gamers are female, spending an average of 7.4 hours a week playing, according to the Entertainment Software Association. The problem the formerly male-centric gaming industry now faces is how to create games that will keep these women playing and coming back to buy more.

Studies and sales data have shown that women are more likely to play hand-held casual games, such as the Nintendo DS, along with social oriented games such as The Sims, where women make up more than 55 percent of players. Though the number of women who play games is high, they represent fewer than 12 percent of the industry, according to the International Game Developers Association. By diversifying the work force, developers can create products that appeal to a wider audience.

Source: CNN