Trailblazers inspire next generation

12 December 2019

A group of trailblazing women from the gaming industry have shared their life stories and inspired the next generation at a special event at the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan)

The first Women in Games Careers event welcomed a host of successful game developers to UCLan’s Preston Campus. The inspirational figures spoke to a large audience of young people who are aiming to have careers in the rapidly-expanding industry.

Throughout the day, the industry speakers, some of whom are UCLan alumni, took part in a range of activities including a panel discussion, lectures and roundtable meet and greets.

The industry speakers included Catherine Woolley, Designer at Media Molecule; Veronica Heath, Talent Ambassador at Rare; Saija Wintersun, Senior Environment Artist for Rebellion; Sarah Akers, Visual Effects Artist at Lucid Games; Katie Clague, Gameplay Artist at TT Games;  Naomi Robinson, Freelance Artist and Illustrator; Caoimhe Roddy, Producer at Girls Game Lab; Viki Freeman, Talent Acquisition Partner at Team17; and Steph McStea, Quality Assurance Tester at Team17.

One of the attendees was Rawcliffe Ball, a Year 10 student from Longridge High School. She said: “I am in awe of how incredibly inspiring it was and I am extremely pleased I went. I am completely certain I will explore game design as a future career which I had never given much thought to prior to this event and I will be sure to attend another one in future.”

Stacey Satchell, a Year 3 games design student at UCLan, was also in attendance. She said: “It’s been absolutely fantastic and very inspiring. We’ve had some amazing industry women come in and speak to us and they gave us an insight about their journey through games design.”

Organiser Rhoda Daly, Senior Lecturer in Games Design, added: “The speakers sharing their experiences of the industry are generating visible career pathways for young people wishing to become part of this dynamic and creative industry.  It was a super inspiring day for everyone involved, with students, parents and academics representing 20 different schools, colleges and universities from across the North West of England.

“Celebrating inspiring and believable role models working in the industry helps build diversity both within the industry and our student body.  We hope our Women in Games Careers will become an annual event for young people, career educators and industry professionals wishing to share their knowledge, inspirations and hopes for the industry.”

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