August 25, 2008
Superstar DJs, here we go
Michael wrote this at 1:24 pm:
OK, so I got to wondering about women working at a high level in the industry in my last blog. Now I know that Jade Raymond is not unique, just really… visible. Despite what I said about women considering entering the industry being dissuaded by her example on what is, of course, her game, I realised that if it were a man in the same role, doing the same thing, I’d most likely not raise an eyebrow. Would you?
There have been many, less publicised figures down the years: Mie Kumagai, a producer at Sega; Brenda Brathwaite who has been part of the industry since before I was born; Lucy Bradshaw, producer of The Sims 2 - not only one of the best selling PC games ever but one which introduced many girls to games. The list goes on.
Over time, I have become more aware of these individuals and, in some cases, how influential they are within the industry. Alongside that awareness has been one of how many women - including some of my fellow Ready Uppers and, indeed, members of my family - play games. It is a curious parallel. To tell the truth, it’s one that I wish I’d known about years ago as some of my best gaming moments have been whilst playing with, and against, women.
With this newfound visibility by the likes of Jade Raymond, Rhianna Pratchett and other members of the fairer sex within the industry, taken with the “emergence” of a demographic that has been hidden for years, is this playing field now becoming level? Are these new luminaries? I think so. I think it is a development that can bring more… growth, more acceptance from the non-gaming public. When the individuals known most are people like Peter Molyneux, Shigeru Miyamoto and others who have been around since the early days of games, we need new “stars”… at the moment we have Cliffy B Cliff Bleszinski. Can you name any others?
Behind every great man is a woman rolling her eyes.
August 25th, 2008 at 1:56 pm
For me Goichi Suda (or better known as Suda 51) is a good example of a new age gaming celeb along the lines of Peter Moleneux.
August 25th, 2008 at 4:11 pm
Does Michel Ancel count? Or is he too old?
(as in last gen, not as in past it)
August 25th, 2008 at 4:22 pm
Why is Cliffy B eating that puppy?!
August 26th, 2008 at 10:00 am
Um, yeah, I guess he does count. As for Cliffy B and puppy eating, I don’t know… maybe it’s a contract thing?
August 26th, 2008 at 12:02 pm
Contract thing?
As in, in order to work at Epic, you hereby agree to work horrendous hours during crunch, and to sacrifice seven labrador pups during the full moon in honour of Ragnar the Blood God? That kind of thing?
August 26th, 2008 at 12:11 pm
Hmm, I was thinking more a condition he had set to work there…
C.B: I want a puppy for lunch every day. Ideally a lab but, meh, long as it’s not a chihuahua; they’re pretty lean. Is that cool, guys?
Boss people: Yes, of course.
C.B: Rad!
August 26th, 2008 at 12:32 pm
Now serving in the Epic cafeteria;
Labrador pup, lightly brushed in honey. Comes with side salad.
We should make t-shirts;
Cliffy Bites Pups!
Cliff Blezsinski Ate My Labrador!
That kind of thing.