Date Approved

Spring 2003

Graduate Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Communications (M.S.)

Degree Program

School of Communications

Abstract

In the past 30 years, video games have progressed from a technical novelty to a $17 billion industry. However, a majority of players are still male; many blame this on the overwhelming amount of male-oriented images and themes in popular video games. Technological literacy is becoming a prerequisite for employment in many jobs and there is a proven link between interest in video games and increased computer literacy. Studies also show that video games help improve cognitive skills like hand-eye coordination and spatial dexterity. This content analysis examined elements of 63 Sony PlayStation video games, quantifying male and female characters and noting game characteristics that research shows females favor, in an attempt to show that girls play video games less because they do not have enough interesting games to select from.

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