Women in Games is a non-profit that aims to increase diversity within the gaming industry. They recently announced an Ambassador Program, which lets developers officially support their cause. Women in Games’ goals are to expand the reach of their program and double the current number of women within the gaming industry over the next 10 years.
Strategy game veterans Paradox Interactive are among the first developers to heed the call.
“Our philosophy is that by bringing people with different backgrounds, competences, experiences, and ideas together, we will continue to grow as a successful industry,” said Fredrik Wester, CEO of Paradox Interactive. “Our industry is present in every aspect of society. Bringing more women into games is just one aspect, alongside other initiatives we are involved with, of creating the type of games industry we want to continue working in and for.”
Ambassadors can be game companies or individuals. Right now the program is limited to Europe. Ambassadors must have professional standing in their country, and actively promote diversity. That includes reaching out to young women and girls in schools to encourage career paths in gaming, as well as forming corporate and government partnerships.
“We believe that forming strong partnerships with progressive game studios in the UK and Europe will create invaluable opportunities to transform the European game industries, “said Marie-Claire Isaaman, CEO of Women in Games. “These transformations will build a more diverse and successful sector.”
Three other game publishers and developers are among the founding Ambassadors. They are Io-Interactive from Denmark, Techland from Poland, and Wooga from Germany. The founding Ambassadors were announced and brought on stage during last week’s European Women in Games Conference.
