Stone Mill, I think you're right that SEIV will probably continue to have a mostly male following. But I think it's more to do with the style of game rather than the overall Sci-Fi theme. I know plenty of women who are big fans of Star Trek (Picard and Spock are special Favorites). Not too many of them are really interested in conquering the galaxy, however.
Games like Civilization, which are rewarding for "builders" (ie have a victory condition that is not dependent on war) have more appeal for women because it's not just about who has the biggest military. I'm actually kind of surprised that SEIV doesn't have a "peaceful" victory condition (Civ and Alpha Centauri do). I'd love to see something like 'transcendence' in SEV; it's a tried and true Sci-Fi theme, and it would be a fun alternative to Last empire standing.
PS I enjoyed Fried Green Tomatoes, myself, more than, say, Star Trek I, V, Generations, or the Last two Star Wars movies...
Re: Are there any female SE4 players?
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