On this women’s rights day, Microsoft is communicating a comprehensive plan of action to improve the inclusion and representation of women in the industry. Actions to be carried out with players but also with future professionals with an unprecedented mentoring program!
A unique global mentoring program
Microsoft relied on Louise O’Connor to share its program for women in video games. The legendary producer of Rare is thus drawing the contours of an industry in which the presence of women is growing but lagging behind in comparison to men. And while According to the Entertainment Software Association, 45% of gamers in the US are female, only 30% of developers are women. An under-representation that testifies to the work still to be done for the studios that Microsoft wants to support.
The American company has been working for several years on a better mix of its teams and especially the management. Microsoft Gaming, the new entity that will manage Microsoft’s video game industry, therefore presents a board composed of 6 men and 7 women. A ratio that also corresponds to that of the rare teams “Half the design and production teams are women” thanks to an inclusion approach deeply rooted in recruitment! and “although there is still a lot to do” According to Louise O’Connor, Xbox hopes to use its experience on the subject to best guide the next female talent in the industry.
With its mentoring program, Xbox therefore makes it possible to bring experienced women into contact with students or young professionals in the gaming industry.. In particular, this will lead to meetings in different territories and individual coaching. Details of the program will be announced in the coming days of March, but we already know some of the countries that will benefit from this mentoring for all. The United States, Canada or Australia and Japan will be among the markets where this initiative will be launched. In Europe, France, Germany, but also Austria and the United Kingdom are affected.
A spotlight on women in the industry
Alongside this mentoring program, Xbox is also announcing a series of promotions and events that will be held over the coming days. Start with Speeches at Game Developers Conference 2022 on March 23-24.
During this meeting for professionals, Microsoft offers pre-recorded sessions with some representatives of its various structures. Among them :
- Mary McGuane, Responsible for the Xbox Game Studios Obsidian, Double Fine and InXile
- Kate RaynerChief Technology Officer at The Coalition
- Shannon LoftisFounder of World’s Edge
- Helen ChiangVice President responsible for Franchising Minecraft
- Kim Swift, Director of Cloud Gaming at Xbox Game Studios Publishing
- Bonnie Ross, Founder and CEO of 343 Industries
However, this presence of important Xbox women will not be limited to GDC. The builder also offers content and game creators during stream sessions via Xbox Plays. The company previously shared a lengthy Xbox Ambassador Spotlight on its website, and as such is continuing its Community Spotlight efforts. Efforts that will also be echoed in the UK, where a second season of the podcast is coming out “Women of Xbox UK” will be released soon! You can find the first season here
Events for all target groups
Finally, several events are planned on the game site:
- Tournament of women gears 5
Starting March 26th, 32 all-female teams will compete to share more than $5,000 in prize money! - Halo infinity
A special Big Team Battle session will be organized by 343i in March. - Forza Motorsport 7
Turn 10 honors women who have shaped the automobile. Between March 3rd and March 15th there will be a special event where you can discover some iconic characters like Suzanne Vanderbilt or Isabelle Galmiche! - Microsoft Casual Games
New items will be made available to celebrate the impact of women on the world. - Age of Empires
The women of the community Age of Empires Take power in clashes carried over during the Age of Queens!
At the same time, inspiring stories are shared by women who have changed our historyThe official site of the game. Finally new portraits will be available in Age of Empires III Definitive Editionincluding those of Ada Lovelace or Elisabet Ramsey!
Also note that US citizens can donate their Microsoft Reward points to various associations that support women in video games. And finally, that a new gamerpic will be available, along with new items and themes for your Xbox!
