It seems clear that the console wars are only just getting started. Despite recent speculation about X-Box360 running into trouble due to its poor image in Europe and Asia, it?s probably fair to say that we?ve got a good few years left before the crown is securely placed upon either one head or the other.
So here?s a question. How can, in these next few months, current consoles hope to re-ignite sales and get those extra few million units off the shelves? I believe that the answer is one as ancient as man. The answer, is woman.
This un-tapped resource is astounding, according to recent polls, ?more than 40% of game players in Australia are in-fact female?. That?s right, 40 percent! The same is true all over the world, women are interested in games and it?s about time the industry took real notice.
After all let?s face it, the only console out there that realisticly offers instant accessibility for those of us who haven?t been training our thumbs incessantly since birth, is the Nintendo Wii. But this seems a little limiting when you consider that the Wii isn?t to every gamers fancy. I?ve met several women (that?s over a period of years by the way) who?ve generally agreed that although the Wii is fun for the odd get together, the current attitude that most women can?t handle the complex workings of an X-box or PS3 controller and instead ought to settle for twirling a stick about is a tad patronizing.
Ultimately, what the industry needs to start researching are games geared exclusively towards the female gaming scene. One good approach in my opinion is to simply start assuming that females will play your games. Makes some decent female Avatars and not just the token eye-candy, covered by a few pixels of decency. Start having some female heroines that are more than just damsels in distress? Yes Mario, I?m looking right at you.
Of special importance is the MMORPG Genre, research shows that most females are attracted to games as a means to communicate and socialise, so providing online content that goes beyond the typical quest, combat, explore triad would be perfect. "Second Life" being a prime example of where encouraging content aimed at both males and females has been very successful.
But it's not only the content either, games have been traditionally thought of as a male past-time and if Consoles want females on their side, then the basic mechanics of their titles should to be re-thought. Do they fit with what female gamers want? Clearly I'm not suggesting change every game and the entire industry to cater for females, then they'd loose the male demographic, instead companies need to simply dedicate a little more time to research the style, theme and basis that their female customers want in a game.
But of course, it?s not only the companies that need to realise they can benefit from this new breed. So too do we, the males of the gaming population. We should be encouraging the genre?s growth.
I mean think it through. A girl who goes shopping, not for shoes but for the latest FPS. Who comes home after work and complains that you?re only up to level nine. A girl who?d rather have a quite night in. Playing Condemned Two. With the lights off? Think about it!
Logan Ash
So here?s a question. How can, in these next few months, current consoles hope to re-ignite sales and get those extra few million units off the shelves? I believe that the answer is one as ancient as man. The answer, is woman.
This un-tapped resource is astounding, according to recent polls, ?more than 40% of game players in Australia are in-fact female?. That?s right, 40 percent! The same is true all over the world, women are interested in games and it?s about time the industry took real notice.
After all let?s face it, the only console out there that realisticly offers instant accessibility for those of us who haven?t been training our thumbs incessantly since birth, is the Nintendo Wii. But this seems a little limiting when you consider that the Wii isn?t to every gamers fancy. I?ve met several women (that?s over a period of years by the way) who?ve generally agreed that although the Wii is fun for the odd get together, the current attitude that most women can?t handle the complex workings of an X-box or PS3 controller and instead ought to settle for twirling a stick about is a tad patronizing.
Ultimately, what the industry needs to start researching are games geared exclusively towards the female gaming scene. One good approach in my opinion is to simply start assuming that females will play your games. Makes some decent female Avatars and not just the token eye-candy, covered by a few pixels of decency. Start having some female heroines that are more than just damsels in distress? Yes Mario, I?m looking right at you.
Of special importance is the MMORPG Genre, research shows that most females are attracted to games as a means to communicate and socialise, so providing online content that goes beyond the typical quest, combat, explore triad would be perfect. "Second Life" being a prime example of where encouraging content aimed at both males and females has been very successful.
But it's not only the content either, games have been traditionally thought of as a male past-time and if Consoles want females on their side, then the basic mechanics of their titles should to be re-thought. Do they fit with what female gamers want? Clearly I'm not suggesting change every game and the entire industry to cater for females, then they'd loose the male demographic, instead companies need to simply dedicate a little more time to research the style, theme and basis that their female customers want in a game.
But of course, it?s not only the companies that need to realise they can benefit from this new breed. So too do we, the males of the gaming population. We should be encouraging the genre?s growth.
I mean think it through. A girl who goes shopping, not for shoes but for the latest FPS. Who comes home after work and complains that you?re only up to level nine. A girl who?d rather have a quite night in. Playing Condemned Two. With the lights off? Think about it!
Logan Ash
'. Ok I made the last one up, but you get the context of it! I agree if they want to start bringing in a massive audience, they have to change some of their ways. An example is in fighting games, how big are the tits on those girls!? Serously I think sometimes if you got hit by one on the rebound from a high kick, it would be like getting hit by a medicine ball!
