Women in Games International Conference AnnouncedWomen in Games International Conference Announced

Representatives from Women In Games International have announced the organization’s debut conference in a series, to take place in Seattle at Microsoft in Redmond, Washington. The conference will be entitled "Advancing Your Career in Game Development: The Women's Perspective" and is scheduled to take place from 1pm to 6pm on Saturday, September 10th. The conference has been created as a forum to discuss a wide range of issues related to women in games. The free-to-attend seminar intends to provide useful information for women and men, as well as new and veteran game developers, with topics including how to break in and advance your game industry career, achieving a work/life balance and resolving quality of life issues. The half-day conference consists of an opening keynote address, four panel discussions and a post-conference networking reception. Conference sponsors include Microsoft Game Studios, International Games Developers Association (IGDA), DigiPen, Mary-Margaret.com, WomenGamers.com and BusinessWire. The event is being presented in cooperation with the Women in Games Conference in Dundee, Scotland, currently in progress through August 10th. Confirmed speakers for the Women in Games International Conference include Laura Fryer, Executive Producer, Microsoft Game Studios; Sheri Hargus, CTO, Her Interactive; Rick Lambright, Director of Online Technology, Sony Online Entertainment; Shannon Loftis, Group Program Manager, Microsoft Game Studios; Stuart Moulder, Vice President, Wild Tangent; Sandra Rumsey, QA Manager, Mobliss; Samantha Ryan, CEO, Monolith Productions; and Jen Sward, Instructor, DigiPen. Mary Margaret Walker, CEO of Mary-Margaret.com and a WIGI sponsor commented: "The role of women in the industry, as well as women and girls as players, is being discussed at new levels with increasing energy and awareness. Women In Games International is providing a venue for continuing this dialogue on an even more open playing field. Any event or activity that contributes to exploring these topics is ultimately beneficial to the game industry as a whole." Further details regarding Women In Games International and the conference can be found at the organization’s official website.