Women powering the future of Game Development
International Women in Engineering Day 2025 (IWED) this month serves as a reminder of the importance of diversity and inclusion across the vast spectrum of engineering, including game development. Warwickshire County Council's Digital Creative Industry & Inward Investment Specialist, Stacy O'Connor reflects upon the significant strides made by women in the video game development industry in our region and beyond.
In an industry long-dominated by male voices, women are increasingly stepping into the spotlight of video game development - and reshaping the landscape in the process.
By continuing to support and uplift women in this industry, we can ensure a more innovative and inclusive future for all. From indie studios to tech giants, women are driving innovation, storytelling, and inclusivity in ways that are transforming how games are made and played.
Indie success stories
The indie game scene has become a launchpad for female talent. Titles like Celeste and Unpacking, developed by diverse teams, have not only won critical acclaim but also outperformed many mainstream releases. According to the International Game Developers Association, games created by teams with at least one woman receive 32% higher ratings on average. Platforms like Steam and Itch.io have democratised publishing, allowing women to bypass traditional gatekeepers and bring their unique visions directly to players.
Gender bias starts early
From childhood, gaming is often marketed as a “boys’ hobby.” This stereotype seeps into education and career choices, discouraging girls from pursuing STEM fields or game design. Even when women do enter the field, they often face scepticism about their technical skills or creative authority.
A growing presence
At the corporate level, leaders like Amy Hood and Bonnie Ross have redefined what leadership in gaming looks like. Hood, Microsoft’s CFO, has been instrumental in expanding Xbox’s reach through cloud gaming and AI integration, making gaming more accessible than ever. Ross, formerly of 343 Industries, helped shape the narrative direction of the Halo franchise and laid the groundwork for inclusive storytelling across Xbox Game Studios. The numbers tell a promising story: women now hold about 23% of technical roles in gaming, up from just 11% in 2010. This growth reflects not only changing attitudes but also the tangible benefits of diversity—games made by inclusive teams tend to be more innovative, better received, and more profitable.
Locally in Warwickshire, we also have games-changers, building inclusive studios and leading the way for women in engineering so we thought we would spotlight two of them.
Maverick Games
Maverick Games was founded in 2022, by several of the core team behind the critically acclaimed open-world racing game series Forza Horizon, including CEO and creative director Mike Brown, former creative director of the Forza Horizon franchise.
Based in Warwick, Maverick Games is run by award-winning studio leader Harinder Sangha (Sega Hardlight, Sumo Leamington) as Co-founder & Chief Operating Officer, and currently has a team of more than 120 people. She previously sat on the board at UK Interactive Entertainment (Ukie) and the advisory board at Women in Games. Maverick Games emphasises diversity and inclusion, celebrating women's contributions and working to create a more equitable environment within the games industry. Maverick has impressively managed to create a studio with women in all teams and at all levels.
Harinder said: “This year’s International Women’s Day theme, Accelerate Action, truly resonated with us at Maverick Games. It’s more than just a phrase, it’s a mindset we embrace every day. For me, Accelerate Action means taking real, tangible steps to create a workplace where women don’t just tick a box but truly thrive. It’s about moving beyond conversations and actively driving change, lifting each other up, calling out inequality when we see it, and ensuring women at Maverick (and across the industry) have the opportunities they deserve.
"I am incredibly proud of the amazing women at Maverick Games - they bring talent, creativity, and leadership to everything we do. I’m also proud to say that we have women on every team and at every level, making a meaningful impact throughout the studio. Our industry thrives when diverse voices, perspectives, and ideas are heard, and that’s something we champion every single day.
"To the women of Maverick, you inspire me. Let’s keep moving forward and continue making the industry a better place.”
Third Kind Games
Third Kind Games - a Virtuos Studio, is a world-class co-development games studio that works with some of the biggest names in the industry, based in Leamington Spa. Founded in 2016 by nine leaders in the industry, it has continued to grow since becoming a Virtuos Studio in 2024. With an impressive track record of clients such as Blizzard, Amazon, Microsoft and Mythical Games, Third Kind Games have had a hand in critically acclaimed games and franchises.
Third Kind Games actively supports women in an industry where they remain significantly underrepresented—particularly in technical and engineering roles. Third Kind Games also demonstrates a strong commitment to outreach, regularly engaging with local schools, colleges, and universities to inspire the next generation of game developers. By connecting with students of all ages, the studio helps raise awareness of the wide range of career opportunities within the games industry.
These outreach efforts are designed to break down barriers and encourage individuals from all backgrounds—particularly those from underrepresented groups—to see themselves as part of the industry’s future. By showcasing real career pathways and making the games sector more visible and accessible, Third Kind Games aims to foster a more diverse and inclusive talent pipeline from an early age.
The studio actively fosters a positive, inclusive workplace culture where women are empowered to thrive. Through open communication, empathy, and a strong focus on professional development, Third Kind Games strives to create an environment in which all the team feel valued and supported in their careers.
Beyond the studio, Third Kind Games is engaged in broader industry efforts to promote mental health awareness and LGBTQ+ inclusion, sponsoring Warwickshire Pride each year and recently achieving a gold award from Mind Charity for their efforts to support mental health. Several team members also mentor individuals from underrepresented groups, offering guidance, encouragement, and a pathway into the industry.
Tracy Clark, Operations Director at Third Kind Games, said: “When others are inspired to understand and value women’s inclusion, we take a meaningful step toward a better and more equitable world. The latest State of the Games Industry 2024 report from GDC highlights that just 23% of respondents identified as women—underlining the continued need for progress.
At Third Kind Games, the achievements and contributions of women are recognised every day, but especially within the games industry, it’s important to provide a platform and celebrate the talent of the women on our team.”
Building inclusive communities
Organisations such as Women in Games, Girls Who Code, and Code Coven are fostering a new generation of developers. Through mentorship, education, and networking, these groups are helping women build portfolios, gain visibility, and connect with hiring networks.
Initiatives like Game Dev Unlocked are also empowering underrepresented voices through online courses and collaborative projects, making game development more accessible to all. But systemic change is still needed. That means:
- Inclusive hiring practices
- Transparent pay structures
- Safe, supportive workplaces
- More women in leadership roles
Voices of change
Whether through coding, design, narrative, or leadership, women are proving that they belong in every corner of game development - and that their contributions are essential to the future of the medium. Diversity isn’t just a buzzword - it’s a creative advantage. Games are stories, and the more voices we include, the richer those stories become. If the industry wants to keep evolving, it must make space for everyone at the controller.
#TogetherWeEngineer and #INWED25