Pixels and Prosecco

As part of Spring Forward, I hosted an evening of talks from women who create games, playful experiences and events. I wanted to celebrate diversity in the games industry, and look at the varied contributions, work, play and ideas of my speakers.

With support from Spring Forward, 68 Middle Street, Just a Pixel, AMEX and iCrossing – I organised a sell out evening event – with prosecco and cake.

The following speakers came to talk about their experience working in games, and to show the kind of things that they create.

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Marie Foulston – a Playful Producer and Curator of videogame events and digital projects. Marie heads up the infamous UK videogame collective The Wild Rumpus and is currently working as a curator of Digital Design at the V&A.

Holly Gramazio – a game designer, who likes writing and talking about games, making work for public spaces, and exploring the intersection of game design and other cultural forms. Some of her games are events or temporary installations, and some of them are ongoing.

Kerry Turner – a programmer and game designer, who has spent much of the last decade working in Brighton’s games and tech industry. In 2010 she began making experimental games and digital art, which has been written about in The Guardian, Edge, PC Gamer and Rock Paper Shotgun.

Kate Kneale – is a cultural agitator. She spends her days working with Museums and Science Centres as director of HKD her nights creating play based projects including the GEEK festival of play and games.

Leanne Bayley – is a full-time game developer and full-time mother. She was recently voted as one of the top 100 women in the UK games industry. When not working on games, she is concentrating on ensuring that baby Willow doesn’t succumb to some horrific accident.

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The whole evening had a friendly and supportive atmosphere, and I was really proud to be able to put on such a warm event.

Event write-up: on storify

Event photos: on flickr