Sorry guys, your combined spending just isn't enough for the gaming industry. They know how you're going to spend your cash and when, and frankly, the industry is not impressed.

So now the gaming industry is looking to the fairer sex to put a little curve in those flat figures.

To sustain the industry's growth rate, the publishers need to develop the kind of games that turn the casual female gamer into a core gamer. The casual female gamer is underserved; the challenge is to convert them.

This means more games with "smart, immediate rewards and engaging play that gives them a certain element of control," and fewer games where players have to die a million deaths before understanding a level.

Male gamers discouraged by this news should look at the bright side: More chances at hooking up. Rejoice!

Will women drive game growth at last? (registration req.)

-SM