As gamers everywhere await the series of launches of the next-gen consoles, a lull in the gaming industry has been noted by game company executives, and in an effort to get through the so-called calm before the storm, they have now turned their attention to one of the possibly-neglected demographic: the female gamers.

In a male-dominated industry, things are starting to change. Where in the past, female characters in games were typecasted as buxom sidekicks in skimpy clothing who were, more than anything, there for decoration at the big, gun-toting action hero's side, producers are starting to put the BFGs down and talk about the importance of a good storyline, solid characters, and the inclusion of depth and emotion in their games.

One key topic that was discussed at the recent Edinburgh Entertainment Interactive Festival last month was the need to recruit more women in the business. David Gardner, the CEO of Electronic Arts has also stated that "It's a massively underserved and overlooked segment of the market." He's not talking about making games that have ponies and rainbows and ribbons though, but instead "to make products that are more socially inclusive."

More about female gamers after the jump!