Making the Shift From Animation to Game Design

This episode, Abbie Willett, a game designer at Sumo Digital, joins us to talk about her experience working on popular titles such as Hitman 2 and Sackboy Adventures. This episode we dive into her transition to game design from animation, how she navigated the pressure of working on beloved franchises like Hitman and Little Big Planet, Abbie’s favorite easter eggs, and of course, her love of Persona 5.

Evolving Studios’ Accountability Through DEI Accreditation

Today we have the wonderful initiative Code Coven on the show to talk about their new DEI accreditation program, Evolve, which is designed to accredit studios and give them ratings based off of how closely they follow DEI policies and implement them in their work.

On the show I have the CEOs of Code Coven, Tara Mustapha and Cinzia Musio, to talk about the program and how exactly it will benefit the industry and highlight studios who are absolutely rocking DEI.

Processing Life’s Challenges Through Game Development

This episode we sit down with UK-based Game Audio Professional and Silver Script Games Studio Founder, Alyx Jones, known for her work on AAA titles like Elden Ring and Final Fantasy VII Remake. Alyx talks about her journey into games audio, her inspirations for composing, and the challenges of working on a game of Elden Ring's size. She also shares her experience as part of the BAFTA Breakthrough program and her new adventure developing her first game, “The Quiet Things”. Join us as we dive into the unique and collaborative world of game audio.

This is episode 110 of She Plays Games.

What Makes Failbetter A Place Where Diverse Talent Can Thrive

Welcome to the She Plays Games Podcast! In our latest episode, we have the pleasure of hosting two incredible women from Failbetter Games, Emily Short (Creative Director) and Lesleyann White (Principle QA Specialist). Join us as we delve into the world of Failbetter, an award-winning game company that has been recognized as one of GI Biz's best places to work five times.

Ever wondered how Emily and Lesleyann found themselves at Failbetter Games and what drew them to this exceptional company? We explore their personal journeys and discover the magnetic qualities that make Failbetter such an appealing workplace for talented individuals like themselves.

Creating positive spaces for asian women in the games industry

Join us for a special panel discussion with Project AWR, a diversity group dedicated to supporting and empowering Asian Women in the games industry.

Our panelists include:

• Marion Mỹ Anh, founder of Project AWR and Global Community & Social Media Manager at Prime Matter/Plaion

• Karen Lee, co-founder of Project AWR and Senior Manager of the Global Core Community team on Apex Legends at Respawn

• Elisa Choi, mentor for Project AWR's mentorship scheme and Associate Producer at Epic Games

In this episode, we'll discuss:

• The importance of Project AWR existing

• Project AWR’s new Mentorship Program

• What a safe space for Asian women looks like on Discord

This is episode 108 of She Plays Games.

Breaking Barriers in Streaming: Gleaney is Helping the Next Gen of Streamers

Join us for an inspiring episode as we sit down with Twitch streamer Gleaney to discuss her streaming journey, from her acting background to her experience working with Twitch's diversity Gleaney shares her best transferable skills and strategies, advice for negotiating sponsored streams and regaining momentum during long streams. We also delve into her TikTok Streaming Tips series, benefits of belonging to Twitch support groups, and her unique approach to creating a safe space for shy viewers.

This is episode 107 of She Plays Games.

Gaming for Everyone: Insights from Xbox's Tara Voelker

In this episode of She Plays Games, we talk to Tara Voelker, the Senior Xbox Game Studios Accessibility Lead, about her journey into the field of game accessibility, her experience working in the gaming industry, and her thoughts on the future of accessibility in gaming. Tara discusses the importance of staying up to date with the latest accessibility trends and how Xbox Game Studios approaches implementing new concepts. She also shares her thoughts on how the mindset around accessibility has shifted over the years and how it has become a more prominent topic in the gaming industry. Finally, she gives us a sneak peek of what to expect from her upcoming presentation at GDC 2023 with Brannon Zahand.

This is Episode 106 of She Plays Games.

Levelling Up Your Marketing Agency With Livestreaming

This episode we have Digital Producer Taya B from Etch Play. Taya has made her way into games marketing from a more general marketing agency. This episode we discuss what a digital producer in games does, her experience coming into the games industry, and her advice for anyone coming in!

This is episode 105 of She Plays Games.

Creating Games to Process Life’s Challenges

We have Madison Karrh, an indie developer, on the show to talk about her latest title Birth. Madison’s games all share very unique art styles and themes reflecting her own life. Birth is a puzzle game about overcoming loneliness by building your very own friend. This episode we talk about Madison’s self discovery through game development and how she’s been able to feel fulfilled through the experience.

This is episode 104 of she plays games.

How Belle Automata Found Its Voice With Wings Fund

This episode we have indie game dev Jessinia! Jessinia is the founder of the studio Jellyfish Parade, whose bio states that they create “ethnically diverse games that'll turn your heart to jelly!” In this episode we talk about Jessinia’s experience creating Belle Automata which releases on March 3rd! along with her journey into creating visual novels and how the support from the Wings Fund helped her to create her first ever full voice acted experience!

This is episode 103 of She Plays Games.

Abandoning Unhealthy Commuter Life For Streaming

This episode we have content creator Mollie Evans also known as Littlemotac. Mollie is a disabled content creator a part of the Nnesaga Content Team and is also helping to consult people in diversity & equity in gaming. This episode we discuss her favorite streaming resources, what it’s been like to join Nnesaga and her love for Overwatch!

This is episode 102 of She Plays Games.

SPG Presents: Harnessing the Power of Influencers with Disobey

This episode of She Plays Games is our first ever live panel at Take-Two Interactive Software's studio where we sat down with marketing / influencer agency Disobey to discuss how brands can better their relationships with Influencers and make sure their communications are clear and effective. Joining us are Disobey's Strategy Lead Ruby and Influencer Manager Kolo.

This is episode 101 of She Plays Games

Creating Global Influence for Esports in Kenya

This episode we have pro Tekken Player, Sylvia Gathoni. Also known as QueenArrow, Sylvia has been thriving in the pro gaming space nabbing working now with Red Bull and making the Forbes Africa 30 under 30 list. This episode we talk about the need for more support in the Kenya gaming scene, how to get involved with Pro gaming tournaments and the benefits of developing careers alongside pro-gaming.

This is episode 100 of She Plays Games

Helping Parents Navigate the Digital Playground.

This episode we have writer, author, and entrepreneur Amanda Farough. Amanda started off her career in games journalism and has since taken opportunities in many different areas making her a real force within the games industry. We’re so happy to have Amanda with us to talk about the release of her new book with Dr. Rachel Kowert, Digital Playgrounds - Our Kids and Video Games along with a discussion about her experience helping indie dev achieve their potential with her company F-Squared.

Episode 99 of She Plays Games.

Creating Games for those on the Spectrum

This episode we have founder and CEO of ChangingDay Alison Lang and Georgie Christoforou, Jr Community Manager for Neonhive.

Alison’s studio is developing a title specifically for those on the Spectrum and this episode we focus on how she got started in games development, their first title Blnnk and the Vacuum of Space and her main motivations for developing VR games aimed at those on the spectrum and also looking at it from Georgie’s perspective who was recently diagnosed with Autism.

Episode 98 of She Plays Games.

Finding Your Own Voice in Games Journalism

This episode we have games journalist Ellie Gibson. Ellie has been a real incredible force of good with in the games industry through her incredible writing and wit. This episode we talk about her experience coming into the industry and how it’s evolved since and of course, streaming Choices on Twitch.

This is episode 97 of She Plays Games.

Creating the Textbook “Writing for Games”

This episode we have Hannah Nicklin, Hannah is the studio lead at Gute Fabrik and a PhD in games. This episode we focus on her incredible book Writing For Games and talk about the future of games writing.

This is episode 96 of She Plays Games.

Capturing the True Essence of Indie Game dev in Fiction

Featuring Jay Shin (Arrogant Pixel)

This episode we have American author and screenwriter, Gabrielle Zevin.

Gabrielle’s latest book Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow focuses on the lives of 3 game dev and the trials and tribulations that come into games development. It’s seen high acclaim with a spot on the New York Best Times list and Jimmy Fallon’s Book Club List as well as cred in the game dev scene for the book’s authenticity. We’re also delighted to have our friend and fellow indie Dev Jay Shin, Director at Arrogant Pixel, on the show to chat about her experience reading the book and relating it to her own challenges as a dev.

This is episode 95 of She Plays Games.

Creating Healthy Boundaries In Social Media Management

This episode we have Bee who is Social Media Manager at Modern Wolf! This episode we talk all about social media resources, how to identify what viral trend to latch on to, and advice on how to keep KPI Expectations in check.

This is episode 94 of She Plays Games.

The Importance of Being Visible in Esports

This episode we have Emzii who is the first Commonwealth Esports efootball Champion!

In this episode we talk about the importance of visibility in online competitive sports, how to keep yourself safe, and the benefits of having an esports coach!

This is episode 93 of She Plays Games.