Another London Women in Games Event

Games for Girls

When? 26th March, 6-9pm
Where? Wellcome Collection, 183 Euston Road, NW1 2BE
How much? FREE – but booking essential, via the website www.createkx.org.uk
Japanese women have overtaken their male counterparts to become the biggest users of Nintendo’s Wii and DS machines in a seismic shift that the company said would “transform the video games industry”. Leo Lewis, The Guardian

Girl? Geek? Gamer? None of the above? If you’re already in the industry or considering a move to the sector then join us.

As Japanese women overtake men as the main users of Wii and DS, what is the future for women and the games industry? We’ll be holding a lively discussion on the changing role of women in games, from some very different perspectives. You’ll also have a chance to stick your own oar in.

Hot topics will include:

• The Future of Gaming: How is software/content changing? Are women playing a fundamental role in its development? And will current changes make the sector a more popular choice for the next generation?
• A Different Perspective: What are the qualities which women can offer in design, development, management, leadership and steering?
• The Road to Success: in a growing industry with such diverse skills requirements, what are the necessary skills, opportunities and rewards?
• The Female Factor: Matthew Jeffery, Head of European Recruitment at EA Games advised responding to growing skills shortages by attracting talent from other new industries - particularly women. Should there be more incentives for women to work in games? Is it really beneficial to target women separately? Should we stop focussing on gender, or is it the best way to ensure continued innovation in the industry?

And the most important part follows: Wine, nibbles and chat.

Speakers:

Toby Barnes
Executive Producer, Pixel-lab

Emmeline Dobson
Game Designer, Nik Nak Games

Divinia Knowles
Head Of Operations, Financial Controller, Mind Candy

Sandi Kurkdjian
Partner, Harbottle & Lewis, lawyers specialising in media and entertainment law.
Steering Committee, Women In Games