Games Women Play
Previous media campaigns and game selling efforts were directed at males. The idea was that men spent more time playing video games, while girls socialized or engaged in other entertainment. Now, while men still average 16 years of gaming experience women are catching up. Their current experience is at 12 years.
Women are becoming more and more involved when it comes to online game play. Women account for almost half of the gamers in the United States. Women typically play games that require more thought process, like puzzle games, card games and trivia. These games also typically have more of a connection with others via social media compared to racing and war games typically enjoyed by the male gender.
Socialization is Becoming More Important In-Game
Women are more social, so they enjoy the interaction with others that is afforded via social media and online forum type gaming. Men tend to stick to the role playing games with minimal interaction other than supporting each other through specific missions or to attain certain goals.
The impression of socialization also makes a game popular. For instance, many games now include the ability to visit a friend’s village or view their character. When you opt to make this visit, extra credits of some form are gained for the game. This increases interest in the game and provides the player with the feeling they have connected with a friend in a small way.
Game Industry Recognizes the Need for Change
The focus of gaming industries has changed to reflect the change in interest by women and the trends of games this gender enjoys. Therefore, games are becoming more about family interaction and spending time with friends via their gaming interaction.
The industry is also working to increase the variety of games available, since women tend to appreciate more to choose from, compared to the past when different variations of the war role play, racing or even car theft games were the main money makers.
Casino Games Already Attract Women with Variety, Story telling
Some of the best online Casino games are directed at women as well. These games tell stories or give the appearance of accomplishing tasks rather than simply showing a win or loss with each roll. This complexity means more effort in game creation but results in greater dedication to the game for a longer period.
The gaming industry recognizes a potential monetary increase when they see one. As such, they are focused on the variety and family connection aspect rather than the goal of drawing males into another series of war or driving simulation games. The changes brought on by smart phones and increased computer capacity is not to be ignored either, as it makes a mobile connection to one’s favorite game possible at almost any time.
