Gender Inclusive Game Design Reviewed

BWJones writes "iDevGames has posted a book review on Gender Inclusive Game Design that should prove an interesting read not only for game design, but also for the sociological perspective. I've long wondered why the game design community has not paid more attention to gender issues given that the gaming industry has now eclipsed the movie industry in terms of overall sales. While I am not a gamer per se, I am on the beta test teams for a couple big Mac development/porting houses. I have wondered how some of these games would appeal to different demographics and what the gender demographics were. I am sure that given the financial motives, this data is available somewhere."

Comments

Where do you work?

[Anonymous Coward]

From the write-up:

I am on the beta test teams for a couple big Mac development/porting houses.

Big Mac development ... you mean, McDonalds?

Maybe you can ask that clown for help.

Doom 3 will have this!

[Anonymous Coward]

"You have encountered a level 5 Demon. Press A to attack. Press R to restyle it's hair. Press S to invite it to go shopping with you."

Re:Doom 3 will have this!

[Anonymous Coward]

As opposed to the current state of things?

"You have encountered a level 7 Succubus. Press A to attack. Press F to post to a dozen online gaming forums looking for a code to make the succubus naked. Press M to enable the one-handed gameplay mode for 30 seconds. Press C to solicit cybersex from the succubus."

Re:More Female Avatars!

[NanoGator]

"Yet so many games either don't give us the opportunity, having only a male character, or when they do choose, the choices, seem to be clearly made for 14 year-old boys, with women that are endowed as if they were full of silicon/saline."

To be fair, all the guys are muscular, tanned, and athletic. At least your side gets the fat chick.