The video game industry spent most of its development period trying to figure out the best ways to separate boys from their pocket change. Each subsequent generation operated on the principle that they needed to cater to the male crowd with games that offer loud explosions and big pretty mushroom clouds of death. There is a new branch opening up though. Games are now crossing the gender barrier to try and cater to the demands of female gamers, with a special branch now opening up for younger girls.



I guess I'll go ahead and bury my somewhat sexist attitudes in the sand now. If your daughter likes games where you blow up aliens with a ray gun, then fine. Have fun. There's a whole world there and this isn't a guide to it. Go to an arcade and tell them to go crazy in the action section. For some girls this just isn't that appealing. They will have to be ready for an introduction to a rising class of games on a different level.

There are now entire online arcades that are dedicated to these games for girls. They offer old classics with new twists. Dress up games and make up games are included for girls who just want a casual experience in gaming. Coloring books are there too for those who want a more artistic experience online. These games will be more accessible for many girls in the younger generation. They don't feature generic backgrounds and figures. Instead they use characters from their favorite television shows along with popular dolls from the Barbie and Bratz series. This little touch should make it a perfect addition to any of their play schedules. Now dress up games can move online and experience the nice bonus of a larger variety of clothes for free.

There are some other options for girls who want something a bit tougher. Even standard platforms like the adventure game have adapted to the new generation of girls. Some of them may not have been able to get into the adventures of an Italian plumber and his brother. They may be able to better enjoy helping the Bratz girls find each other in a crowded mall. Objectives often determine whether you'll enjoy something. A lot of girls will probably be able to relate better to characters that they understand. Showing them this new breed of games could be the one thing that grants them a new type of free entertainment.

That is the real reason behind it all. The reason that they should be introduced to online arcades is that it is a method of free fun. An online arcade is free. That can't be said of much these days. Showing them a good online arcade is like giving them a new toy, a toy that you didn't have to buy. I will be the first to admit that there will be some girls who just don't care for video games, but there will be many more that do appreciate the free fun to be had online.