Embracing change
The games industry is changing – and everyone is welcome.
Would you like to help create a new video game one day? Whether it is small independent (or “indie”) games or the biggest blockbuster hits, making games is all about teams of people with a range of skills.
Marie-Claire Isaaman, the head of the Women in Games organisation, says, “The games industry and its creators is changing. Until fairly recently, most people thought that gaming was for boys,” she says. “But girls and women have always played games, and now 50% of all gamers are women or girls.”
More women are contributing ideas, working in development studios and becoming bosses. This is all helping to shape the future of the industry, says Isaaman.
Some of the role models in the UK include Ann Hurley, the boss of Team17 (behind games including Headbangers); Louise O’Connor from Rare (a company whose games include Donkey Kong Country) and Louise Andrew from d3t, which works on games like EA FC and Guardians of the Galaxy. Isaaman points out that there are lots of different jobs in games, including coding, design, art and animation, creating music, testing games for bugs and promoting them in marketing and social media. All of these need different skills. “Subjects like English, maths, IT, and art can provide a strong foundation for a career in games,” she says, “but the most important ingredient is your passion for games and/or creativity.”
To get started you could join a coding club or take part in a “game jam” event in your area. Or enter the BAFTA Young Game Designers awards with your game ideas. Isaaman also suggests researching the history of games by watching documentary films on video services. “There’s no single correct path to becoming a game developer,” she says. “Embrace the journey, learn from your experiences and let your passion guide you.”