
It started when I was studying graphic design. I used my boyfriend's PC to write
my dissertation and then got into playing computer games as a procrastination activity.
After graduation I got a trial week of work at a local games company. They took
me on full time, though for a poor salary of £7,500! It was exciting but tough,
I was introduced to 3D software. I enjoyed the challenge and knew this was the
career path I wanted to take.
Often I was the only female on a team. I didn’t find this a problem, and there
was a lot of camaraderie. At Blitz I worked on developing the Bratz game for girls,
and then I did find it bizarre being the only female. How could you successfully
create a computer game for girls when there was no female experience on the team?
For example, they wanted to make sounds effects for when the characters put make
up on, but being a woman I knew make-up created no real sound. I came up with
the idea of make up going on as if by magic, which would be many women’s dream.
My ideas where welcomed by the team, so think my female input on this and many
projects was essential.
While att Blitz we began to recruit for a team of graduate artists, but it was
almost impossible to find candidates with the right skills. I realised change
was needed in the industry and in education.
I began to look for lecturing opportunities, and I got a job at Bradford University.
I am now a lecturer in Computer Games, teaching
BA Graphics for Games whilst studying for a PGC HEP teaching qualification. Its still a male dominated
subject - I am the only female lecturer teaching in our department and most of
the students are male. I find working at the University a great challenge, but
I have big plans.
I have recently been delivering game design workshops to local high schools,
targeting students in years 10 and 11. The aim is to boost interest in games-friendly
subjects and show that computer games is a viable career for everyone. I am very
keen to see more women working in the computer games industry and I shall go on
campaigning for the recruitment of more women into technology and media careers.