Being a “Game Changer”
Team Xbox/Microsoft’s Women in Gaming
“Game Changer” is a joint program between Microsoft’s Women in Gaming and Team Xbox. It’s a way to introduce female and non-binary gaming students and early career gaming industry professionals to the Game Developer’s Conference (GDC). In January 2017 I was selected to participate in the program alongside 20+ other awesome women carving out careers in the industry.
Applications for the program typically open in December and notify recipients in January/February. Acceptance includes an all-access pass (value is ~$2K) to GDC plus invitations to various parties and events going on during the conference. Some exclusive to the “Game Changers” program.
For the 2017 event, I was invited to an exclusive Mixer, VIP entry to the Sold Out WIG Luncheon at Mina Gallery, and a one-on-one breakfast at the Contemporary Jewish Museum. These events gave me the opportunity to meet my fellow Game Changers in a more casual atmosphere outside the conference and network with Microsoft employees. (We all got to have a quick chat with Phil Spencer at Mina Gallery before the luncheon.)
It was my first GDC and this was an awesome way to spend it. For several weeks after the event, my fellow Game Changers and myself found our faces in a few interesting places.
It’s been 2 years since my program, and I still keep up with many of my fellow Game Changers who’ve gone on to: work for AAA gaming companies, pursue AR/VR professional, and even launch their own gaming studios. It’s truly a unique program and a great opportunity for anyone interested.
For anyone that may still be curious if I recommend applying for the program, I do. I hope that you’ll apply at some point the future. GDC is an amazing event and this is an awesome opportunity!
