Women in Gaming: 100 Pioneers of Play ($24.99; 9780744019537), a visual guide that illustrates the important roles women have played and will continue to play in the video game industry, is proud to announce that Jen MacLean, Executive Director of the International Game Developers Association and IGDA Foundation, will pen the book’s foreword. MacLean is the latest addition to a growing list of 100 veteran contributors and young women from all sectors of the industry, who will be profiled in the book aimed to inspire the new generation of gaming, and set to publish on November 6th by Prima Games.
Mike Degler, VP & Publisher of Prima Games: “We are honored that Jen has agreed to write the foreword for Women in Gaming. With an incredibly rich history in the gaming industry and recognized as one of the ‘most influential women in gaming’, Jen’s knowledge, passion and commitment to diversity and inclusion will be a great way to kick-off our book that celebrates women in gaming.”
Jen MacLean: “I believe that every person can, and should, be a gamer, and the best way to make that happen is to welcome every person into the gamer and game development community. It’s an honor to be part of this important work to highlight the achievements of women in every aspect of game development and gaming culture, and I’m proud to not only look back at the accomplishments of these women but also look forward to how they will inspire women and girls around the world.”
The first title in Prima Games’ new Gaming and Pop Culture line, Women in Gaming celebrates women who helped establish the industry, women who disrupted it, women who fight to diversify it, and young women who will someday lead it. New contributors to the project include:
- Anna Anthropy: Prolific experimental designer & author
- Ariana Green: Co-founder of Couple Six, Barbados’ first game studio
- Ally McLean: Gamerunner & creator of the mentorship program The Working Lunch
- Gloria O’Neill: Founder of Upper One Games, the first indigenous-owned game studio
- Jenny Xu: JCSoft Inc. founder & MIT undergraduate
- Kirsten Duvall: Former senior business development manager for Microsoft Studios
- Megan Gaiser: Former CEO & president of Her Interactive
- Michelle Hinn: Longtime IDGA Game Accessibility Special Interest Group chairperson
- Melonie Mac: Streamer and industry host
- Niamh “Chipzel” Houston: Celebrated chiptune composer & performer
To celebrate the upcoming release, Prima Games will host an exclusive giveaway of mini-lithographs of the Women in Gaming cover during San Diego Comic-Con. Visit booth 1515-C on Thursday 7/19 at 4:30pm to pick up one.
More about the book:
In addition to profiles, several contributors also penned essays that further illuminate topics affecting women in gaming-related careers, including “Difficult Women: The Importance of Female Characters Who Go Beyond Being Strong,” “NPC: On Being Unseen in the Game Dev Community,” and “Motherhood and Gaming: How Motherhood Can Help Rather Than Hinder a Career.”
Bonus features include a “A Day in the Life of” section, which provides an inside look at a typical day in the gaming industry across several vocations, including a streamer and a voice actor, and a “Character Spotlight,” which highlights favorite women game characters and their significance in popular gaming culture.
Hardcover/ 352 pages/ $24.99
Publishing November 6, 2018; 9780744019537
About the Author:
Meagan Marie is an industry veteran with experience on both the press and production sides of making games. Previously at Game Informer Magazine and Riot Games, she is now the longtime Senior Community & Social Media Manager at Crystal Dynamics. Focused on the Tomb Raider franchise, Meagan has been responsible for establishing and evolving the brand presence on social media, engaging with fans online and at events worldwide, and acting as a studio spokesperson. Inspired to use her platform to give back, Meagan is outspoken on issues of representation in gaming and pop culture. She is also the founder of the Causeplay Shop, which uses her platform as an international cosplay guest to unite cosplayers and geek artists for sales that benefit charitable causes. Meagan’s previous works include 2016’s 20 Years of Tomb Raider and contributions to 2017’s Playing with Superpower: Nintendo Super NES Classics.
