A study done by the Consumer Electronics Association shows that there are more women gamers than males in the 25-34 age bracket. The average age of gamers at present is 30.

The results of this study points to the popularity of casual games as one of the main reasons why male gamers are outnumbered by female gamers. Casual games like puzzle games and card games appeal mostly to women, who, compared to men, are less likely to play traditional console games. In the 25 to 34 age bracket, 65 per cent of women in the group play video games while only 35 per cent of men do so.

The study conducted by the CEA did not specifically ask women gamers why they preferred casual games over the traditional console games, but assumed that women are attracted more to casual games because these are not very competitive. Most of the casual games available are on Web portals, like Yahoo! and Pogo.com.

Console hardware makers are considering developing and including downloadable casual games and simpler titles for those interested. This would allow them to cater also to “non-gamers” and/or the big percentage of women gamers. Nintendo's Brain Age and Nintendogs are examples of games targeted at “non-gamers” that have already been made available.