Gaming Industry Slow to Find Its Feminine Side

The video-game industry has yet to really tap into the female audience, the Los Angeles Times reports, and a big reason looks to be how male-dominated the business is. Women make up fewer than 20% of the industry’s total workforce, and a mere 3% of programmers. Some fault education, while others blame a “college fraternity” atmosphere, including recruiting parties that have strippers.

One former executive points to a production cycle that can take motherhood nearly off the table for serious candidates as another reason for the disparity. But studies show that female players give higher marks to games designed by women, and as more women hit the consoles, working in the industry becomes a viable career choice. (More video games stories.)