For International Women’s Day, we have gathered inspiring stories from women working in the games industry today. From founders to artists, game designers to CEOs, you’ll find a diverse range of perspectives and insights that make the gaming world truly great.
Part two of these stories continues below:
Ekaterina Shtirts, lead game designer at Roger That! in Belka Games
How did you get started in games?
My journey into game design began five years ago when I transitioned from a career as an opera singer and voice teacher. I always loved playing games and decided to explore the world of game design to create my own. This shift allowed me to combine creativity with pragmatism, making game design a perfect fit for me.
“We must not forget that women still do not always find themselves in equal positions to men.” – Ekaterina Shtirts
Ekaterina Shtirts
What do you enjoy most about working in video games?
The blend of creativity and data-driven decision-making in game development is what excites me the most. I value the ability to surprise players and analyze the impact of creative choices. Music, in particular, adds a unique layer to our games.
What advice would you offer to aspiring game developers?
Embrace your emotions and express them in your work. Human connections and emotional resonance are key to engaging players. Follow your passion and stay true to yourself.
How can we create a more inclusive and safe space in the industry?
Acknowledge and address the disparities that women still face in the industry. Focus on merit and talent rather than gender when making decisions. Respect and empower women to excel in their roles and contribute positively.
What accomplishment are you proud of?
I take pride in upholding my values, supporting my team’s growth, and prioritizing work-life balance for a productive environment.
Nur Ugurlu, business development rep at ZBD
How did you get started in games?
My journey in the gaming industry began with a funding round for a Turkish shooter title. I was drawn to the creative aspect and quickly immersed myself in the operational facets of gaming. Collaborating with passionate professionals further inspired my interest in games.
“One key area of improvement is being more open-minded in the creation of junior roles.” – Nur Ugurlu
Nur Ugurlu
What do you enjoy most about working with video games?
I value the diverse communities and networks within the gaming industry. The collaborative spirit and shared goal of creating impactful experiences resonate deeply with me.
What advice would you offer to aspiring game developers?
Cultivate a supportive network, be open to learning, and embrace opportunities for growth. Showcase your passion and expertise through engaging projects.
How can we create a more inclusive and safe space in the industry?
Promote diversity in entry-level roles to welcome talent from varied backgrounds. Foster communication, transparency, and a culture of mutual respect to ensure everyone feels valued and supported.
What is something that you are really proud to have accomplished?
I take pride in my work with Women in Games and supporting women in the gaming sector. Empowering aspiring talent and advocating for inclusivity are achievements close to my heart.
Maria Plendukova, project manager at Bermuda Adventures in Belka Games
How did you get started in games?
Transitioning from a managerial background to game development, I found joy in the intersection of art, technology, and creativity within game development. Embracing new challenges and the vibrant community of passionate professionals have made my journey in games fulfilling.
“Play a lot of games, analyze your gaming experience, and explore creative ways to enhance player experience.” – Maria Plendukova
Maria Plendukova
What do you enjoy most about working in video games?
The dynamic nature of game development and the collaborative spirit among team members excite me. The ability to merge art, technology, and data to create engaging experiences is incredibly rewarding.
What advice would you offer to aspiring game developers?
Immerse yourself in gaming experiences, analyze player interactions, and innovate based on real-world concepts. Draw inspiration from diverse fields to infuse creativity into your game design.
How can we create a more inclusive and safe space in the industry?
Engage with players, understand their values and interests, and prioritize user feedback in game development. Foster a culture of inclusion and respect for diverse perspectives within the gaming community.
What accomplishment are you proud of?
I take pride in the collaborative achievements of my team, the innovative solutions we create, and the supportive environment we cultivate at Belka Games. Contributing to our research, testing, and creative culture brings me immense satisfaction.
Carin Huurnink, senior animator at Warcraft Rumble in Blizzard Entertainment
How did you get started in games?
My journey in game development began with a passion for animation and a degree in Communication and Multimedia Design. Embracing the technical and artistic aspects of gameplay animation, I found joy in bringing characters to life and enhancing player experiences through visuals.
“We don’t need an echo-chamber: creativity and innovation come from people with different backgrounds, upbringings, and cultures.” – Carin Huurnink
Carin Huurnink
What do you enjoy most about working within video games?
The collaborative nature of game development, working with diverse experts to create engaging experiences, excites me. Building animations, solving technical challenges, and communicating with players through character motions are aspects I find deeply rewarding.
What advice would you offer to aspiring game developers?
Network, stay curious, and showcase your passion. Continuous learning, portfolio building, and stepping out of your comfort zone are key to growth in the industry. Embrace challenges and explore new perspectives to enhance your skills.
How can we create a more inclusive and safe space in the industry?
Prioritize diversity in talent acquisition, embrace different backgrounds, and foster a culture of collaboration. Promote a safe and inclusive environment that values work-life balance, mutual respect, and creative contributions.
What accomplishment are you proud of?
I am proud of my dedication to animation, the collaborative efforts in game development, and the opportunity to work at Blizzard Entertainment. Pursuing my passion for animation and contributing to impactful projects has been a fulfilling journey.
Frida Külper, game programmer at Midjiwan AB
How did you get started in games?
Choosing programming over visual arts led me to explore game development, inspired by my love for games like Sonic. Transitioning from software engineering to game programming, I found my niche in crafting turn-based strategy games at Midjiwan AB.
“Some parts of the industry still struggle with crunch culture. That needs to go, of course.” – Frida Külper
Frida Külper
What do you enjoy most about working within video games?
Witnessing the vision come to life, collaborating with talented professionals, and engaging players through interactive experiences are the highlights of game development for me. The blend of creativity, technical expertise, and player engagement is truly rewarding.
What advice would you offer to aspiring game developers?
Embrace networking, explore diverse roles in game development, and pursue your passion. Master your craft, learn from industry experts, and create a portfolio that reflects your enthusiasm and expertise.
How can we create a more inclusive and safe space in the industry?
Acknowledge and address disparities like crunch culture, prioritize work-life balance, and foster a supportive environment for employees. Promote diversity, inclusivity, and respectful communication to create a positive and inclusive workplace.
What accomplishment are you proud of?
I take pride in contributing to released games, receiving positive user feedback, and engaging with the gaming community. Championing inclusion, supporting beginner programmers, and exploring new projects have brought me immense pride and satisfaction in my career.
Julia Seifert, office manager & talent scout at KeokeN Interactive and Women in Games Ambassador
How did you get started in games?
My journey in the game development industry began with community engagement and collaboration with content creators. Over time, I transitioned into talent scouting and office management roles, supporting the growth of independent game developers and fostering a supportive community.
“We need to raise even more awareness of the discrimination and repression that women and especially queer people face while playing games.” – Julia Seifert
Julia Seifert
What do you enjoy most about working within video games?
The boundless creativity and interdisciplinary knowledge within the gaming industry inspire me every day. Learning from diverse colleagues and witnessing innovative ideas come to life enriches my experience in the industry.
What advice would you offer to aspiring game developers?
Engage in networking, seek mentorship, and participate in community events to expand your knowledge and connections. Treat networking as a skill to develop, and embrace opportunities to learn and grow in the industry.
How can we create a more inclusive and safe space in the industry?
Promote inclusivity, address gender discrimination, and prioritize workplace policies that support diversity and respect. Foster a culture of collaboration, transparency, and community building to empower individuals from all backgrounds.
What accomplishment are you proud of?
I am proud of establishing mentoring programs, organizing portfolio review events, and supporting early game developers through collaborative initiatives. Creating opportunities for aspiring talent and fostering a sense of community have been significant accomplishments in my career.
