Source: CCTV.com

06-27-2008 10:17

The computer games industry says it needs more women. Organizers of this year's Women in Games Conference say the industry needs more of the woman's touch. And they say it needs that touch right from the early development stage, if software games ever are to reach their full potential in the entertainment industry. Women in Games is an annual conference that brings together game manufacturers and academia. Discussion revolves around issues ranging from women's role in the industry to games women like to play.

The computer games industry says it needs more women. (Photo: CCTV.com)

"Viva Piata, Trouble in Paradise" - is the sequel to the hugely popular life simulation game Viva Piata.

Nicola Bhalerao who worked on the programming, is co-organizing this year's Women in Games conference.

She's a senior software engineer at Rare Ltd - the Microsoft owned development company behind the game.

Also co-organizing this year's conference is Sara Kalvala. She's an associate professor at the University of Warwick, (PRON: WARRICK) who's lectured in computer sciences for 13 years. Kalvala says the old given that boys are better at math is a myth.

There are a few pioneering women leading the way.

Carla Prada is a games animator. She's been working in the industry for 8 years.

Elissa Miller is a senior animator.

The pair have been working on the animation for 'Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts and Bolts.' The game is scheduled to be released in time for Christmas.

Both Miller and Prada agree that the reason so few women work in the industry is because it's seen by women as a 'man's job'.

Across the board at Rare it was generally agreed that there is no one specific type of game that appeals to men rather than women. A truly great game, they believe, appeals to all ages and both sexes.

The Women in Games conference takes place at Warwick Castle between September 10 to 12.

Editor:Liu Fang