GamesBeat recently hosted its eighth Women in Gaming Breakfast at the GamesBeat Summit event, where a panel of professionals discussed a significant issue in the gaming industry. The panelists, including Susanna Pollack, the president of Games for Change, Jen Premisler from MasterCard, Karla Reyes from Anima Interactive, and Bryna Dabby Smith from Brass Lion Entertainment, shared their perspectives on the positive changes that games are bringing to the world.
One of the key themes of the discussion was the power of games to create communal storytelling experiences that can’t be found in any other industry. Pollack highlighted that games are not only meant for entertainment but also have a far-reaching impact beyond that. Games for Change, for example, focuses on using games to teach kids in classrooms, provide healthcare rehabilitation, and raise awareness about critical global issues.
Reyes acknowledged the recent challenges within the games industry but also emphasized the unique opportunities for game creators to explore new ways of storytelling and draw on diverse sources of inspiration. She emphasized the importance of involving subject matter experts in the game development process to ensure authenticity and representation.
Premisler, representing MasterCard, noted that while her company is not primarily focused on gaming, they recognize the value of the gaming community’s skills in storytelling and community building. She emphasized that the gaming community is inclusive and welcoming to people of all ages, genders, backgrounds, and ethnicities.
Smith added that game creators have a responsibility to not only entertain but also educate and inspire the next generation. They have a unique opportunity to shape experiences for young players and show them what they can achieve.
Overall, the panelists agreed that games have the power to bring people together, tell meaningful stories, and create positive change. They emphasized the importance of collaboration across sectors and the need for diverse perspectives in game development to ensure authentic representation.
