Choosing Computer Games for Girls and Boys

The Search for Gender Equity in Computer Games, talking about the issues like

• How to get girls interested in computers?
  
• Are "games for girls" the way to go?
  
• What does a good educational game look like?
  

I am particularly interested in what characteristics of games that boys like but girls don't or vice versa. It says that the characteristics of game that boys like are high levels of competition, confrontation, and violence; fast, repetitive action; beating the clock; and racking up points to achieve a high score. While, based on the research on girls and computer games, girls prefer games with in-depth narratives and characters, the ability to design or create, the possibility for social interaction both on the screen and between players, and the ability to explore different activities within the same game.

It also provides "Criteria for Choosing Computer Games for Girls and Boys" as following:
1. Is the game educational? Does it encourage problem solving? creativity? the development of important strategies or skills?
2. Is the game equitable?? How accessible and engaging is the game to both girls and boys? Are there features that particularly appeal to (or deter) girls or boys?
3. Is it a good game? Is it fun?? Is it challenging without being overly frustrating? Does it encourage persistence