It seems like only yesterday when videogames appeared to be something only men would play. Videogames seemed like the tree house with the sign that read "No Girl's Allowed" - you just didn't expect women to partake in the games and join in. Nowadays, women are making themselves more and more known, and thanks to more women entering the videogame workforce and more high profile women gamer organizations such as the Frag Dolls and PMS Clan being recognized and making themselves known at various competitions and E3, women are showing that tree house sign has long since faded in the sun and that everyone is now welcome.

From the article:

Traditionally, the only women in video games were digital. Think busty, pistol-packing Lara Croft of "Tomb Raider," or the scantily clad walking pinups in "Grand Theft Auto."

Beyond these stereotypical male fantasies, women were all but absent from the billion-dollar gaming industry. But that's changing, thanks to a core female gamers who are increasing women's visibility and influence.

These women are programmers, designers, tech students and members of all-female gaming groups that compete against guys for cash and corporate sponsorships. And experts say the industry stands to benefit.

"For this industry to mature and move on, it has to grow beyond just that 13- to 35-year-old male demographic," said Anthony Borquez, a professor who teaches video game production at the University of Southern California. "From a business perspective, it makes a lot of sense to engage women more."

Besides, sisters are doing it for themselves.

Amber Dalton and twin sister Amy Brady created the PMS Clan in 2002. Boasting international membership of nearly 500 women and girls, PMS which stands for Pandora's Mighty Soldiers is a competitive group that plays Xbox, PlayStation2 and PC games. Its members range in age from 9 to 58, Dalton said, but most are adults.

Read the full article over at ABC News.