Inspired by the #1ReasonWhy and #1ReasonToBe Twitter movement, this GDC 2013 panel shows six game developers and critics who discuss what it means to be a woman in the industry, and what can be done for better inclusiveness. Courtesy of the GDC Vault, this free video includes experience and advice from Brenda Romero (Wizardry 8 developer), Robin Hunicke (Journey executive producer), Leigh Alexander (Gamasutra editor), Kim McAuliffe (Microsoft Game Studios game designer), Elizabeth Sampat (Storm8 designer), and Mattie Brice (game critic, San Francisco State University master student). Session Name: #1ReasonToBe Speaker(s): Brenda Romero, Robin Hunicke, Elizabeth Sampat, Mattie Brice, Leigh Alexander, Kim McAuliffe Company Name(s): UC Santa Cruz, Funomena, Storm8, San Francisco State University, Gamasutra, Microsoft Studios Track / Format: Advocacy Overview: Inspired by the #1ReasonWhy and #1ReasonToBe hashtag discussion, join us for a rapid, fun microtalk-style celebration and exploration of what it means to be a woman in games. Each panelist will share her experience, its highs and lows, and explore a vision for a future industry that is inclusive for all. Panelists include Brenda Romero (Game Designer in Residence, University of California at Santa Cruz), Robin Hunicke (Co-Founder, Funomena!), Leigh Alexander (Editor at Large, Gamasutra), Elizabeth Sampat (Game Designer, Storm 8), Kim McAuliffe (Microsoft Studios) and Mattie Brice (MA Student, Creative Writing, San Francisco State University).

About the GDC Vault

In addition to this presentation, the GDC Vault offers numerous other free videos, audio recordings, and slides from many of the recent GDC events, and the service offers even more members-only content for GDC Vault subscribers. Those who purchased All Access passes to events like GDC, GDC Europe, and GDC China already have full access to GDC Vault, and interested parties can apply for the individual subscriptions via a GDC Vault inquiry form. Group subscriptions are also available: game-related schools and development studios who sign up for GDC Vault Studio Subscriptions can receive access for their entire office or company. More information on this option is available via an online demonstration, and interested parties can find out more here. In addition, current subscribers with access issues can contact GDC Vault admins. Be sure to keep an eye on GDC Vault for even more new content, as GDC organizers will also archive videos, audio, and slides from other events like GDC China and GDC 2013. To stay abreast of all the latest updates to GDC Vault, be sure to check out the news feed on the official GDC website, or subscribe to updates via Twitter, Facebook, or RSS. Gamasutra and GDC are sibling organizations under parent UBM Tech.