Ahead of the Game - A Foresight Exercise About Our Standing in the Gaming Industry

As a mom, a leader, and a person working in an industry that rarely throws you a softball, I’m always trying to see around the corner. Sure, I can’t accurately predict what the future holds, but I can say how I want to react to that future and how I want us as women to catch the chances being laid in front of us in 2024.

My project at Women in Games Romania is a series dedicated to exploring the future through Foresight exercises. I’m here to identify, explore, and critically think my way through all of the signs of change that I am seeing and, above all, where women stand in this context.

Trend 1. Women at the Forefront of Gaming for Social Change

Foresight: Women will leverage gaming as a platform for social impact, addressing issues such as climate change, education, leadership and global health. Their games will inspire action and drive positive change.

Impact: Women will demonstrate the power of gaming as a force for good, creating a more just and sustainable world.

Trend 2. SHEconomy as a Driving Force in Gaming

With its roots in 2007, this term highlights the growing economic influence of women. From the hit movie Barbie to sold-out tours by Taylor Swift and major advances in women's sports, the recent era has provided the perfect context for the SHEconomy to gain more and more relevance.

Foresight: Women will become key economic players in the gaming industry, driving investment, consumption, and innovation. Their spending power will shape market trends and influence game development.

Impact: Women's economic contributions will increase revenue for the gaming industry, fostering job creation and economic growth. They will also empower women as consumers and entrepreneurs, leading to greater gender equality in the sector.

Trend 3. Women as Chief Empathy Officers in Game Development

Foresight: Women will become essential in understanding and responding to player needs and emotions. Their unique perspectives will be instrumental in creating games that resonate deeply with players, fostering emotional connections and building loyal communities.

Impact: By prioritizing empathy in game development, women will drive the creation of more immersive, meaningful, and impactful gaming experiences. This will lead to increased player satisfaction, loyalty, and advocacy.

Trend 4. Women as Champions of Developer Wellbeing

Foresight: The fast-paced, high-pressure environment of game development can lead to burnout, mental health challenges, and work-life imbalance. Women will emerge as champions of developer wellbeing, advocating for healthier work cultures and support systems.???

Impact: By prioritizing the mental and emotional health of game developers, women will contribute to a more sustainable and productive industry. This will lead to the creation of higher-quality games and a more positive overall gaming ecosystem.

Trend 5. Women as Catalysts for Family-Friendly Workplaces

Foresight: As the workforce continues to evolve, the need for family-friendly policies and support systems will become increasingly critical. Women, as primary caregivers in many households, will champion initiatives that prioritize work-life balance, flexibility, and parental support.

Impact: By advocating for policies that support working parents and caregivers, women will create more inclusive and equitable workplaces. This will lead to increased employee satisfaction, loyalty, and productivity, as well as a stronger talent pipeline.

My strong belief

Over the past few years, the mindsets of women all over the world have undergone a transformation. We’re more committed than ever, breaking barriers and shattering glass ceilings. We have better means of communication, and our ideas are spreading like wildfire. Women are leaders, trendsetters, great communicators, and caregivers.

I believe that our approach to work should constantly evolve and support the person doing it—that’s the most sustainable way to produce results. I believe we should be able to bring our whole selves to our careers—every messy, talented, caring, loud, extroverted or introverted, beautiful piece of ourselves.

If the future is going to be as we foresee it, great.

And if none of the above-mentioned trends are confirmed, be it that way.

Either way, let’s go change the game. For better. And for good. ?