How girls can develop careers in the video game industry

Careers in the video game industry are highly desirable and for a good reason. Working for a video game company can be rewarding, and just as important, it turns a favourite hobby into an exciting career. However, for adolescent and adolescent gamers, the prospect of one day working in the video game industry can seem daunting. While 46% of the US gamer population is female, women represent only 22% of video game developers.

Women take the reins developing, designing, and marketing video games. Lisa Wackenhuth Svanström, 3D artist at Star Stable Entertainment, a multiplayer game full of horses, magic, and adventure, offers career advice to young women who want a career in the video game industry:

What inspired you to build a career in the video game industry?

I am a lifelong gamer, artist, and digital creator, and now my official Star Stable title is 3D Artist. Working for a company like this allows me to unite my interests and skills to create magic for female players worldwide. The artistic process of designing 3D horses inspires me the most. 

It is gratifying to have an idea in mind, sketch a new design and work with all the visual elements such as 3D models, characters, textures, environments, accessories, and finally, release the final product for horse-loving girls playing our game.

What are the types of jobs for women in the development study?

To build a game, artists (3D, 2D, VFX, and animators), designers, and programmers must work together from start to finish. Artists work on the overall creative vision. Designers work with mechanics and features. The programmers then use their coding knowledge to bring it all to life. We work with producers to ensure that all tasks associated with the development process are completed on time and follow the project's overall vision. 

As the industry continues to grow and evolve, developers focused on mobile and virtual/mixed reality is in high demand, as tech animators use a combination of creative and animation skills to solve production-related problems.

What other kinds of jobs do women have in the industry outside of the development studio?

I have developed my career in gaming, but dozens of people with specific skills are needed for a video game company to be successful. Community managers interact with players daily to ensure they have a positive experience with the game and ensure that fan feedback is implemented. 

We also have women who run the business at the executive level and as product managers and business developers. There are multiple opportunities, inside and outside of the development studio, so you must embrace your skills and interests to find which career path you would like best.

What are the most important skills necessary to be successful?

I recommend that budding video game developers find a network, learn about different game engines, get familiar with 2D and 3D software, and try new games all the time. Then become a specialist in the aspect that interests you the most. 

Developing specific skills is essential, but becoming a well-rounded person with a broad view of the world is just as important. It's also good to immerse yourself in sports, learn arts, take a computer class, or explore theatre. Never stop learning and challenging yourself.

What advice do you have for young girls who want a career in video games?

A career in the video game industry, perhaps born out of a hobby or passion, is legitimate and profitable. Today, there are dedicated game development programs in universities. And, whether a teenager dreams of a future career, a college student, or already in a job, finding a role model is critical. 

I am fortunate to work with smart and talented women across all the video game business disciplines, each of whom brings something different to the table. Seek opinions from colleagues or bosses who have another job than yours - find a salesperson, a back-end programmer or a member of the executive team and learn from them.

It's also essential to find a company that embraces women in all roles and embodies a culture of inclusion and accessibility - Star Stable's team is over 50% women. Finally, it returns. If every woman in the 22% is a proactive mentor to other young women, imagine the next generation that will one day grow up to be our colleagues!