Specifically, women behind video games.
The gaming industry is not as diverse (yet, but it’s evolving) as everyone assumes it to be just because of the creation female characters. Some women are victims of sexist remarks and gender biases in the industry, both gamers and developers, because some don’t see their line of thinking as on par with that of the predominantly male environment.
To celebrate International Women’s Day, this is a salute to three of the many women making history in the industry. They are voices of diversity needed in every industry, especially in games where players can closely identify with their characters and how they are represented.
Zoe Quinn
Quinn developed Depression Quest, a progressive, thought-provoking text-based game that tackles the sensitivity of depression with finesse and understanding. However, she was accused of only garnering positive reviews because she slept with a journalist; this lead to harassment and threats from people who could not accept that a success of a woman can be achieved without needing to sleep with anyone.
We celebrate her because of the bravery to represent mental illness in video games, and pushing the boundaries for more diversity.
Amy Hennig
A believer in the importance of the art in story telling, Hennig is a director and writer in the industry, most notably for her work in Uncharted. UK based magazine, Edge, named her as one of the most influential women in the video game industry.
She has inspired success that everyone, regardless of gender, can create waves and influence in the industry. Her stand on the value of stories than graphics gives rise to the value of such creative impact and depth in video games.
We celebrate her as an influence and inspiration to many who desire to be a part of the industry.
Corrinne Yu
A highly intelligent game programmer and engineer, Yu can be credited to the reasons as to why modern video games look this realistic and beautiful. She is responsible for codes and engines that make our games work, ranging from her time as a founding member of Microsoft’s Direct 3D Advisory Board to Principal Engine Architect for 343 Inudstries.
We celebrate her talents and the great contributions she has made to the industry, her intelligence, and her position as one of the most influential women that continue to inspire hopefuls.
We are still in an evolving world where barriers are slowly being broken, thanks to both the men and women making strives to see and feel diversity in race, gender, religion, and sexuality. Games are an avenue for the promotion of equality and acceptance, and developers are those that bring it to life.