The Women of Wushu Studios

Perhaps against stereotypical perceptions, according to recent studies, almost 50% of video game players worldwide are female. Within game development however, the percentage of female developers is just 23% (GDC, 2024), but what can we do to bolster this number further and reach a more even gender split within game development?

This International Women’s Day, we spoke to a panel of some of our female team members to discuss their views on the industry.

What do you enjoy about working in the gaming industry?

Maria – One of the best aspects of working in the gaming industry is the opportunity to craft intricate narratives, and unique, immersive storytelling experiences that impact and move people.

Daniella – My favourite thing is being around likeminded people; I can talk to anyone about my passion which is gaming. The things that we create, bring enjoyment to people and being creative and thinking out of the box is encouraged, which feels unique to gaming.

Tara – Seeing how things are made from the inside, as someone who’s played games all my life. Working on things that made me happy growing up and enjoying having insider knowledge of the development process.

Althea – It’s a young industry at heart, there’s a lot of enthusiasm and positivity. You get to mingle with different people and It’s always exciting when new games are released.

Ellis – The talent in the games industry is unmatched. When you work alongside talented coders, data analysts, artists etcetera, it’s so diverse in terms of the talent. It’s one of the most creative industries out there!

Rhiannon – I love working in an environment where every day is different and provides new challenges. Even though I’m a Producer, being able to facilitate and encourage others’ creativity is amazing and I love seeing what the team achieves, the successes we have, and the challenges that we overcome. It’s cool playing a game and being able to say, “I was part of the team that made that!”

Do you think the general perception is that it’s welcoming to women?

Maria – I feel like there have been strides to try and tackle the stereotype that it’s not particularly welcoming towards women, there’s a growing acknowledgement for the need for diversity and positive conversations are happening.

Daniella – My perception before and now are different, I know that we’re trying to eliminate gender bias, but beforehand there was a negative stereotype, as gaming is perceived as being a masculine past time. Gender discrimination whilst playing live games in lobbies affected my perception of what it’d be like to work in the industry. It might be more a community problem.

Tara – Initially, I think no, there are some horror stories out there, it’s hard to want to enter a space, where there are toxic and negative connotations.

Althea – My first role in games was in 2000 and the perception then certainly wasn’t welcoming, but things have progressed. I wouldn’t say it’s the most obvious choice. I think if you investigate it now, it’s pretty welcoming. As it’s more common nowadays. But back then, I didn’t really have any role models.

Ellis – Probably not, because it’s very male dominated, I would say most roles and teams are predominantly male dominated.

Rhiannon – I would say that the perception of Games being welcoming to women is getting better. I’m not sure if it appears as welcoming as it actually is though, because it is very welcoming and supportive of women joining the industry – but as for the perception – I think we have a way to go for it to appear equal from an external perspective. Are there any challenges to women wishing to enter the gaming industry?

Maria – As a woman of colour, I feel that there is lack of representation in leadership roles, we need systemic changes to see more equitable opportunities for advancement.

Daniella – It can be intimidating as it’s heavily male dominated. Women might believe there isn’t a safe space for them to work. Additionally, online discourse from the community can be negative towards female developers.

Althea – I don’t think there are many hurdles if you have the right qualifications or experience. I definitely think that women today won’t see it as a hostile environment as it’s so much more common.

Ellis – It’s quite common to see even entry level roles expecting several years of experience. It’s so competitive as well as it being male dominated, even in game’s development university courses.

Rhiannon – As long as women perceive themselves to be capable and able then there shouldn’t be any challenges to them entering the industry. However, if you’re in the industry and find challenges based on gender, then it could be on a company and individual level which should be called out and addressed.

Do you have any advice for those just starting out?

Maria – Hone your craft and compile a portfolio as soon as you can, even if it’s not finished, include plans along with building a strong network of supportive peers and mentors and ask questions!

Daniella – There is more than enough room for women in gaming. Everybody is actively trying to facilitate it more. You don’t need to be the best coder, there are so many different options, for example I’m in IT (another traditionally masculine role). It can be intimidating when you start but there’s a community of us out there!

Tara – Be clear on what you want to pursue, be persistent and work past critiques.

Althea – Don’t be afraid to try, and there are already plenty of women in the industry and people of all genders generally are pretty welcoming and helpful.

Ellis – I joined the industry 7 years ago, and I think as I progressed, I realised I needed to listen more and absorb information from those around me. Gain as much knowledge as you can. When interviewing, do your research on the company.

Rhiannon – My advice would be to keep going, soak up the wealth of industry knowledge that’s out there. Never stop learning and invest in yourself with training, and support those that come after you. Don’t be afraid of asking questions, challenge outdated ways of working. Join groups of likeminded people in the local gaming/industry community for support.

Do you think there are any barriers to women progressing within the industry?

Maria – Yes, from navigating typically, white, male dominated fields, you need a lot of resilience, which can be especially challenging for those who are neurodiverse, from lower socioeconomic backgrounds and women of colour, I’d like to see more mentorship and decisive action.

Daniella – I’ve had some poor experiences in the past, particularly as a woman in IT, I’ve been ignored, and not taken seriously. Additionally, when you’re at a childbearing age, as things change so quickly in the tech space, within a year things evolve so quickly, I feel like you’d have to play catch up [after maternity leave].

Tara – At Wushu we do have lots of senior women who set a good precedent. But it does appear for women, wanting to have a child could impact opportunities for progression [not just in gaming].

Althea – There might be companies that are still perceived as being a bit of a “boys club” but my experience has been egalitarian. Maternity leave could get in the way of progression and slow it down. And seeing part time options for parents is quite rare but I don’t see why!

Ellis – The limits of flexible working, with regards to part time working. You never really see part time roles advertised, which could dissuade people coming back from maternity leave or that have childcare commitments. Women might be passed over for promotion If they can’t work full time or plan to take time off for maternity leave.

Rhiannon – I have been in the industry for almost 20 years, and the general climate for career progression for women has improved.

The gender ratio has been levelling out over the years, but we still have a way to go, I am encouraged by the way the study of games is becoming more streamlined in schools/Collages giving women the opportunity to get interested in the industry early on.

If women aren’t supported throughout maternity, this could be a barrier to progression, but this too has been improving. I was freelance previously, and therefore there was no financial support available. I hope that women feel empowered enough to be able do both, have a successful career and have children. Remote working opportunities can also provide more opportunities to parents.

What improvements would you like to see as a whole?

Maria –Greater inclusivity and representation.

Daniella – I would like to see more efforts to have healthy discourse and chats company wide. More female led panels and these types of discussions being more, public, inclusive, and open. Perhaps some more safe spaces and meet ups of the female dev community so that we can be heard. As well as some more representation. We are lucky as Wushu to have a female director which is nice to see.

Tara – Working towards equality, everyone should have the same opportunity. It should be based on talent and meritocracy. Opportunities shouldn’t be based on who you know (nepotism).

Althea – Options for a shorter working week or reduced hours.

Ellis – More flexible working options, more part time roles. Looking at entry level roles and supporting more truly entry level talent coming into the industry, especially women.

Rhiannon – I hope that the industry continues to support women through things like progression opportunities, maternity packages, and flexible working opportunities to enable them to progress in the industry.

References:

GDC’s State of the Game Industry 2024 - https://reg.gdconf.com/state-of-game-industry-2024

Women in Games - GDC 2024 REPORT: MORE OF THE SAME… ? Women in Games