Girls Gaining Ground in Software Selection; Computers: Industry researchers find success designing games that focus more on personality and stories than on survival or wins and losses.: [Valley Edition]

Abstract

For far too long, the world of computing has been dominated by boys. It was men in the military-industrial complex who created the Internet. It was mostly guys, tinkering with electronics in garages and laboratories, who started the personal computer revolution.

Those who ventured onto the Internet, seeking the magic of the global computer network, frequently ran into the same sorts of harassment they found in the real world. Sexist jokes, come-ons and general Neanderthal-like drivel.

Finding girl-oriented computer games and other software in the stores was next to impossible, unless the girls wanted to take on the role of a testosterone-crazed avenger armed with grenades or flamethrowers.