The subject of business awards for women always throws up a couple of arguments against them. Firstly, that there are no gender-specific awards for men (usually a complaint by men); secondly, the question of whether awards events for women (and those identifying as women) are relevant in today’s world of supposedly equal opportunities.
So, let’s firstly address both those points…
Figures announced via Ukie’s Diversity Census earlier this year show that 70% of people working in the games industry are male, compared to 28% female and 2% non-binary workers. It means that female representation in the games workforce is significantly under the national average of those in work.
In addition, despite some progress, men are still claiming the majority of senior management roles in the games industry. By default, that means men are already picking up a lot of awards. Guys, you don’t need any more.
Meanwhile, it’s worth remembering that events like the MCV Women in Games Awards provide inspiration – to those on the first rung of the careers ladder, or even those looking in, deciding whether the games industry is the place for them.
And in this year of all years – when women have been disproportionately impacted by juggling work with childcare due to the pandemic – these awards are an excellent opportunity to celebrate the women who are blazing a trail across the games industry.
The winners are:
Rising Star of the Year – Development
Hannah Rose, Bithell Games
Rising Star of the Year – Business
Eva Poppe, Unity Technologies
Creative Impact of the Year
Karoline Forsberg, nDreams
Technical Impact of the Year
Cheryl Razzell, Polystream
Comms Impact of the Year
Haley Uyrus, Mediatonic
Businesswoman of the Year
Tina Lauro Pollock, Brain and Nerd Ltd
Journalist of the Year
Elle Osili-Wood, BBC, BAFTA
Games Campaigner of the Year
Cinzia Musio, Splash Damage
Career Mentor of the Year
Tara Mustapha, Code Coven
Outstanding Contribution
Gina Jackson, Sold Out
Congratulations to all!
