FROM RECOGNITION TO RESILIENCE: MID-YEAR THOUGHTS FROM WIG Women in Games CEO


Dr Marie-Claire Isaaman looks back on the first half of the year for the organisation…


A


nd here we are, already midway through the year. The past six months have felt like a bit of a blur, but the halfway point in the year seems a good time to reflect on what


we’ve achieved, the challenges we’ve (continued to) face – and to look ahead to what’s in store for the rest of 2025 and beyond.


SO, WHAT HAVE WE BEEN UP TO IN THE FIRST SIX MONTHS OF THE YEAR? We started the year on a high, winning the Diversity Award at the Ukie Video Game Awards. This recognition not only honoured our ongoing work to advocate for equity and inclusion in games and esports, but also reaffirmed how crucial our mission is to the health and future of the industry. To be acknowledged by our peers for driving real, visible change was deeply validating for our team, our Ambassadors, and the wider Women in Games community. Shortly after, we hosted our Careers, Development & Networking


Expo, an event that continues to grow in reach and impact. This year’s Expo was a testament to the strength of our network – connecting aspiring talent with studios, professionals, and mentors across the globe. It was energising to see so many people actively building inclusive careers and shaping the future of the games industry from the ground up. We also announced a strategic partnership with Ukie – a key


milestone that further deepens our shared commitment to inclusive recruitment, leadership pathways, and long-term cultural change in the UK games sector. This collaboration is not only symbolic; it’s practical and action-oriented, with initiatives already underway to build inclusive environments where talent can thrive, irrespective of gender.


OF COURSE, PROGRESS DOES NOT COME WITHOUT ITS HURDLES. Like many purpose-led organisations, we continue to navigate a challenging landscape – from financial constraints to increasingly


June/July 2025 MCV/DEVELOP | 47


polarised public discourse. These are not easy times for gender- focused not-for-profits. Resources are stretched, and the support we rely on is never guaranteed. That’s why our donations remains critical. We are calling on individuals, studios, and allies to stand with us – to help sustain our work and allow us to reach further, educate and inspire more, and push for the structural changes we know are needed. We also responded swiftly and thoughtfully to the UK Supreme


Court ruling redefining the legal understanding of woman. In moments like this, clarity and conviction matter. Our statement on gender inclusion reaffirmed our stance: that Women in Games stands for inclusion, dignity, and respect for all who face gender- based marginalisation – including trans and non-binary people. We will always champion a vision of the games industry that is safe and welcoming for everyone. This is not a comfortable environment to operate in. Running a


not-for-profit focused on gender equity right now means balancing bold advocacy with organisational survival. It means choosing courage, again and again, even when the climate is complex and the pushback is real. But despite all of this – or perhaps because of it – I remain


profoundly hopeful. Women in Games is lean, efficient, and driven. We’re a small


team with big ambition, fuelled by passion and sustained by the extraordinary energy of our global community. Every new Ambassador, Corporate Ambassador and Education Ambassador, every new supporter, every student or studio that chooses to engage with our work adds fuel to the fire. It’s that momentum that keeps us moving forward. And next, we’ll be bringing that energy to Develop:Brighton,


where we’re looking forward to hosting the Cake & Fizz networking event, proudly sponsored by ustwo games. It will be a moment to celebrate, connect, and lift each other up – exactly what our community does best. Here’s to the rest of 2025 – to progress, partnership, and the power of inclusion.


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