Cat Channon A
Outstanding Contribution winner
t the 2024 Women in Games Awards, Cat Channon was honoured with the Outstanding Contribution award, recognizing her
remarkable 30-year career in the gaming industry. Reflecting on the accolade, she noted how far the industry has come since her early days as one of the few female journalists on Official PlayStation Magazine in the mid-90s. While thrilled by the progress made, she emphasised the ongoing need to elevate diverse voices, highlighting the role communicators play in shaping the narrative. She also thanked the influential women who supported her journey.
How does it feel to pick up the “big one”, the Outstanding Contribution award? It’s awesome to be recognised for my work in the industry over the last 30 years, it means a lot to me and it was great to meet my fellow winners and nominees on the day. Having said that, being a recipient of a WIG award brings mixed feelings. I’ve never wanted to be seen as a Woman In Games, just a person in the industry who was known for being good at their job. I hope in future we see greater representation of women in all mainstream industry awards.
Anyone you’d like to thank, apart from the jury, your agent and your mum? I have a formidable network of inspirational women who have been the best bosses I’ve ever had, many of whom really inspired me and demonstrated that it was possible to compete on a level playing field. I’ve also been supported by men who have been advocates and allies without whom I simply couldn’t have been successful. These days I’m most inspired by the new generation of female talent forging a path; Marie Dealessandri, Sophie McEvoy, Emma Kent and Sasi Charlanawat to name just a few.
You’re no stranger to accolades, having enjoyed (or should that be endured) 30 years in the industry. Where does this one rank? Above 40 over 40, (30 under 30 seems five minutes ago) but below Best Boss. A good manager can make or break an individual, or their career so being recognised by the people you’re paid to lift up and support is always going to be deeply meaningful to me.
Where will it be going? Below my Official PlayStation leaving cover and above the stationary drawer in my office.
What’s your advice to other women hoping to emulate the lengthy, diverse and successful career you’ve had? Be kind to yourself and others. Be open. And listen more than you talk.
Your career isn’t over, of course. What award do you have your eye on for next year? Next year I’m going for my second attempt at swimming the English channel for Games Aid. If I make it that’ll be enough of an achievement in 2025.
20 | MCV/DEVELOP October/November 2024
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52
