Great attention has been drawn toward research on female gametophyte (FG) development, and many mutants have been identified with abnormal formation. Although studies are being conducted on the function and expression of individual regulatory genes, only a few projects have focused on gene regulatory networks. Here, we briefly reviewed the molecular mechanisms and factors that affect FG development and discuss our ongoing investigations with gymnosperms. The progress that has already been reported in this field serves as a strong foundation for future examinations of those gene networks that control steps in plant reproduction.