Women get into Games at Teesside

Computer games – created by men for men?

That may be the common perception, but times are changing and the University of Teesside is hosting a special conference to explore the role of women in games.

The Women in Games 2006 conference will be held on Monday 10 and Tuesday 11 July.

The conference will examine the role of women in the games industry, including:

• animators, designers and writers of games
• the representation of women in games
• games designed specifically for women
• the quality of life in the industry

Talks, presentations, workshops and networking opportunities will take place during the conference, which is open to members of the public as well those connected to the industry.

Gabrielle Kent, Senior Lecturer in Games Art and Design at the University and a member of the Women in Games steering committee, said: “As a woman with experience of working at various games development studios, I believe that this conference is an excellent way to start dealing with the issues surrounding the lack of women in the field, and also to promote the companies that are working to make the industry a better place for all. Despite the title of the conference, men are more than welcome to attend! We need a meaningful dialogue between the sexes if the industry is to move forward.”

To find out more, or to book a place on the conference, visit: www.womeningames.com. Conference passes range from £50 - £75 for students and unwaged to £100 - £150 for a full pass.

The University of Teesside is a major provider of computer game and computer animation related Bachelor and Post Graduate degree courses. The government Skillset scheme has recently accredited the BSc (Hons) Computer Animation degree course.

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