Diversity in gaming.(editor's note)

In case there was any doubt about it, a new poll from the Entertainment Software Association (www.theESA.com) shows that computer gaming is not just for the boy next door anymore. In fact, the survey reveals that computer game players are becoming increasingly diverse, thanks largely to women, who now make up a larger percentage of gamers than boys age 6 to 17.

ESA's research indicates that more than half of the US population plays computer games. And while men over 18 still represent the largest segment (38 percent), women 18 and older now account for 26 percent of the audience, whereas boys 6 to 17 represent just 21 percent. Add the fact that girls 6 to 17 comprise another 12 percent, and we find that female players of all ages total as large a portion of the gaming audience as men.

What has led to a wider audience and, in particular, the greater participation in gaming by women? According to ESA president Douglas Lowenstein, "This diversity is being driven by advancing technology and the introduction of more titles in more genres, which provide more entertainment choices for all players, regardless of age or gender." He also notes that the top three factors players cited when making game purchasing decisions are quality of the graphics, price, and 3D graphics content.

So how can game publishers reach this wider audience? Should they ride the graphics curve while developing more titles that appeal to women? On one hand, there's little doubt that males and females have dramatically different tastes in games. For example, ESA's survey shows that the vast majority of boys and men play sports and action games, while girls and women overwhelmingly prefer card games, puzzles, and board games.

Moreover, there's growing evidence that males and females are dramatically different, in general. The latest research indicates that even our DNA is far more different ...