In
partnership with the Women in Games Conference a new women's group for
the video game industry has been formed. Women In Games International (WIGI)
aims to promote the inclusion and advancement of women in the global
video game industry. WIGI believes that diversifying game development
can only lead to better products. More inside...
Industry's top women create WIGIThe non-profit organization was founded by Sony Online Entertainment's Sheri Graner Ray, who has been a proponent of women's issues in the game industry for some time now. Ray authored the book "Gender Inclusive Game Design-Expanding the Market," and she has served as the co-chair for the Women in Game Development SIG of the IGDA for 4 years.
| [ | "... I crave the new experiences that future videogames will bring, and I believe that diversifying our industry is key to reaching our full potential," Laura Fryer, Executive Producer, Microsoft Game Studios | ] |
WIGI's steering committee is comprised of
a number of prominent female figures in the video game industry
including Laura Fryer, Executive Producer, Microsoft Game Studios and
Kathy Schoback V.P. Content Acquisition, Ageia. Fryer was named one of
The Hollywood Reporter's "Top 12 Most Influential Women in Gaming
in 2004," and she also was one of the founders of the annual
"Women in Gaming" sessions at the Game Developers Conference.
Schoback, who currently serves on the board of the International Game
Developers Association, has nearly 15 years experience in the gaming
industry, 9 with Sega of America.
"We are committed to the promotion and sponsorship of events such
as conferences, workshops and seminars that help women break into and
thrive within the game development world. We are also identifying and
promoting collaborations and connections between industry and the
academy that can help us better understand the industry, our games, and
women's vital role in both. We are also searching for new methods to
increase and retain qualified and talented women in the industry,"
explained Schoback.
Diversifying the game industry
Fryer added that she sees much potential for the video game industry and
that women can help the industry realize that potential. "Although
videogames first appeared over 40 years ago, our medium still has
tremendous untapped potential. As a gamer, I crave the new experiences
that future videogames will bring, and I believe that diversifying our
industry is key to reaching our full potential. As we launch a new
generation of games, and a new generation of game professionals, this is
an exciting time for our industry, and an exciting time to participate
in WIGI and help take us all to the next level," she said.
Although WIGI is certainly committed to the advancement of women in the
global games industry, the organization also pointed out that it
"advocates issues important to both women and men in the game
industry, including a better work/life balance and healthy working
conditions."
"WIGI shares many of the same goals and objectives of the IGDA and
our Women's SIG (special interest group). It is encouraging to see such
energy in the direction of gender diversity within the industry and we
are always happy to support such positive efforts," commented Jason
Della Rocca, IGDA Executive Director and WIGI sponsor.
WIGI's first event will be the Women In Games International
Conference-Seattle from 1 pm to 6 pm on Saturday, September 10 at
Microsoft, Building 122, in the Hyak/Chelan rooms. Called
"Advancing Your Career in Game Development: The Women's
Perspective," the conference will feature an opening keynote, four
panel discussions with top experts in the field, and a post-conference
networking reception. Sponsors include Microsoft Game Studios, IGDA,
Game Developers Conference, DigiPen, Mary-Margaret.com, Girls in Games,
WomenGamers.com and Business Wire.
The conference will be free to attend, but you must reserve a spot by
registering on the WIGI
website.