We speak to three gaming students about identifying as women in the games industry and how we should diversify across all-female/male-dominated subjects.
Certain subjects attract a high proportion of one gender. But why?
Game design currently has a high proportion of males compared to females in the department. We asked those who identify as females about their experience on the course and how we can attract females to the industry.
Rebecca believes people are afraid about being judged
Rebecca is currently in her second year studying games. She loves the creative side of the course and learning about concept art, drawing characters and designing the main pages of the games that she is hoping to build on next year.
Rebecca explains; “I wasn’t bothered about being the only girl as I’ve been the only girl before. Some people go by stereotypes and are afraid to be judged. I wasn’t bothered by this but I understand it affects choices other people make.”
We realise how big of an impact peer pressure and judgement has on 16-18-year-olds. Statistics show 90% of teens have experienced peer pressure. Their social status may increase, but what about their mental wellbeing? Or in this case, drive to succeed in an industry that interests them?
Rebecca continues, “It should be normalised. It’s an amazing course, if you enjoy it, go for it! At the end of the day, it’s your life, why should you be stopped by other people?”
Kaeya tells us how “it’s far more than just playing games”
Kaeya is in her first year of games design and is loving it. She will be going to study games at university next year to carry on progressing her skills and knowledge.
We asked Kaeya about her interests before college and how she came to study games design. She said “I have been designing characters in my spare time and playing a lot of DnD.” It’s something Kaeya has been passionate about for a while so this course allows her to turn her passion into a career.
Kaeya’s parents weren’t ‘super happy’ about her doing a creative subject but they have changed their perception of the industry after seeing how happy she is and her plans to progress onto a university degree course.
“It’s far more than just playing games, you can see people come together. It’s made me more confident, I’m so glad I came back. Don’t hesitate about the course, just do it, you won’t regret it. I didn’t anyway!”
Jojo is a first-year games student who is passionate about the industry
Jojo, a first-year student has always been passionate about games and the design behind them. She wanted to do a computer course an this one in particular appealed to her.
We asked Jojo what would attract more people who identify as female to the course? She explained “Showing examples of female roles in the industry would be a big help.”
We believe it would be great to have females in the industry talking about their experience and would allow students to see themselves in that space. So if you’re a female working in the digital industry and would love to inspire the next generation please get in touch with marketingteam@chesterfield.ac.uk and we’d be delighted to organise guest talks to students from September.
