Jason Hill from SMH Digital Life published some exciting new stats a few days ago about the rise of women gamers. According to Jason, the average gamer in Australia is now 28 years old, up from 24 just two years ago. And despite being largely ignored by the game industry, 41% are female.

Women and older Australians are the fastest-growing audience for computer and video games and if trends continue, by 2014 the average age of Australian gamers will be the same as non-players - 42 - with an equal number of male and female players.

Also, look at this bling-Australians spent a whopping $1.3 billion on video games and consoles last year - a rise of 43% from 2006.

We can look back at 2007 as the year gaming really began to take off.

pic: gaming today