In the past few years, these imbalances have been pointed out in newspaper articles and children's software reviews. Several companies have attempted to fill the gap by producing software specifically for pre-adolescent and adolescent girls. Some software even comes packaged with cosmetic items. Our view of an equitable game requires that it avoids violence, includes strong female characters, and it avoids harmful gender stereotyping. Viewing girls as motivated primarily by social status and consumerism is just as bad as assuming that all boys will be captivated by violence.
Research shows that are some game characteristics appeal more to girls than to boys.
Equally important, these games do not alienate boys while they are appealing to girls. Features such as a strong narrative and characters with depth appeal to many boys as well. Further, it should be engrossing and engaging, encourage a player to persist, even in the face of difficulty or failure, and, in the case of educational games, create a situation in which some growth or learning can take place. Several characteristics of games appear to support players' engagement. Games that are built around an intriguing narrative are common and can provide a motivating context for the game's activities.