What do you do: I am a Community Manager.

What video game got you into gaming: Albert Odyssey, one of the most emotionally charged, captivating, and grind-heavy JRPGs known on earth. It took me over two years to complete that game. I got lost in the final dungeon for months. When I finally found the final boss, it was dead within three rounds – I was overpowered by then.

What is your biggest achievement: Interviewing prolific people within the gaming industry, from voice actors to directors. Turning my hobby of streaming into a career as a Community Manager.

What is the last game that had an impact on you? There’s been a lot of fantastic games out, so it’s hard to pick just one. Suikoden II, an underrated JRPG by Konami, is one. You bring 108 people together who are all useful in a different way in your army to fight a war of politics, class, friendship, and misunderstandings. I bought this game because of its cover art. It has shaped me into the gamer I am.

What advice would you give to your younger self? The best things in life don’t come easy or via straightforward means. Take a year out, then work hard at getting on-the-field experience. Universities can’t teach you all the skills you need – you need to get hands-on and don’t give up!

What does the word “gamer” mean to you? People who can immerse themselves in another world as soon as they turn on the screen. Adaptable to play solo, challenges, or online with co-op and battle using skill, strategy, and reflexes.

What do you do: I am the CEO/Founder of Community Versus.

What video game got you into gaming: Mario Kart Double Dash.

What is the last game that had an impact on you? The God Of War franchise really got me into creating online content.

What is your biggest achievement: Running online and in-person tournaments with various sponsors like Acer, Black Tech Day, and Canime.

What advice would you give to your younger self? Just keep going. There is always another way to the top of the mountain.

What does the word “gamer” mean to you? Playing games is a natural part of your daily lifestyle, like walking, talking, and breathing. Understanding that games create room to develop transferable skills like problem-solving skills, along with creating stories that are relatable to all walks of life.

What do you do: I am the Creative Director at Canine Games.

What video game got you into gaming: Spyro the Dragon and Pokemon Yellow.

What is the last game that had an impact on you? Undertale is so close to my heart. It helped me manage my depression and taught me that different ways of playing a game are valid.

What is your biggest achievement: I stepped out of my comfort zone to form a UK-based team. They’ve been lovely people to work with. I had a passion project and asked them to come on board. Today, the project keeps growing, as do I as a professional.

What advice would you give to your younger self? Follow your passions and don’t hold back. Join online communities if you don’t have physical access.

What does the word “gamer” mean to you? It means I enjoy gaming. It’s a way to bring people together and make friends. Yes, it also has a positive impact on mental health.

What do you do: I am a Content Creator.

What video game got you into gaming: Streets of Rage 2.

What is your biggest achievement: The creator of Tekken replied to me on X. I wasn’t expecting it at all, but it was definitely a highlight of my gaming life.

What is the last game that had an impact on you? Tekken 8, because playing online is very stressful.

What advice would you give to your younger self? Take your content creation seriously!

What does the word “gamer” mean to you? Someone who enjoys overcoming obstacles and taking a break from the real world.

What do you do: I am Games Journalist and Community Manager

What video game got you into gaming: Binding of Isaac or possibly Fran Bow

What is your biggest achievement: Achieving 30 under 30.

What is the last game that had an impact on you? Fran Bow, it’s just such an amazing game with so much emotion and detail. I really relate to Fran herself.

What advice would you give to your younger self? Keep working towards your goals and do not let the negativity of the games industry get to you!

What does the word “gamer” mean to you? Gamer to me means someone who enjoys games! As I have an interest in games and use it as an escape, I really enjoy knowing other gamers too.

What do you do: I am Esports Lecturer & Member of the Fighting Game Community.

What video game got you into gaming: There are a few, but the most influential would be Street Fighter 4.

What is your biggest achievement: My network of people and friends I’ve made.

What is the last game that had an impact on you? Street Fighter V probably had the biggest impact on me as it showed me that gaming and subsequently Esports, can be pursued full-time as a career.

What advice would you give to your younger self? STUDY the industry you want to be a part of. All aspects!

What does the word “gamer” mean to you? A gamer, to me, is a person who enjoys a challenge, a person who’s determined and perseveres, a person that likes to explore, a person that enjoys being creative, a person that wants to find a solution to a problem. As a competitive gamer, a gamer is also somebody that studies the mechanics of a game and ways in which they can exploit them to their benefit, somebody that creates and thrives in a community and works with others to improve.

What do you do: I’m a university graduate trying to get into the industry.

What video game got you into gaming: Fable 2 was the first game I ever played, and I replayed it several times to gain 100% achievement. It made me realise and understand how fun games are and how the different aspects of gaming, from gameplay, music, narrative, and level design, all blend together to create an amazing and fun experience.

What is your biggest achievement: For my final project at university, I created a visual novel game about asexuality and romance called “Romace” (Currently on Itch.io). It’s a small game and can be played within 30 minutes. I put so much heart and effort into that game, and it was the first game I ever created that appeared in booths and showcases. It’s the first game I created where I saw the impact it had on the audience. Asexual players approached the booth and told me how they felt seen playing the game and how they found the representation relatable and heart-warming. I don’t think I will ever forget that experience.

What is the last game that had an impact on you? “Before Your Eyes” is an indie game that uses the mechanic of blinking to simulate the passing of time. It’s a really moving and emotional experience that can be played within a few hours. It really made me process the value of life and how we need to make use of every minute of our life.

What advice would you give to your younger self? I know you couldn’t draw and that stopped you from creating games because visuals were important, but there are free art assets available on the internet, and it’s perfectly okay to use them to make ergames.

What does the word “gamer” mean to you? The term “Gamer” to me is a person who enjoys playing games–full stop. Anyone can be a gamer, regardless of what they play. It’s an umbrella term that incorporates all sorts of people underneath it. Mobile gamers, pro gamers, try-hard gamers, console gamers, PC gamers–at the end of the day, they all use the title “Gamer”.

What do you do: I am a Network Manager.

What video game got you into gaming: Pong

What is your biggest achievement: Hosting a HADO UK event for Virgin Media O2 at the O2 Blueroom for BBC Children in Need.

What is the last game that had an impact on you? Pal World.

What advice would you give to your younger self? Do not give up the dream.

What does the word “gamer” mean to you? A person who games in any capacity.

What do you do: I work as a Submission Manager, helping indie developers release their games on Xbox as part of the ID@Xbox program.

What video game got you into gaming: My dad bought me a Nintendo 64 when I was a kid, and this was my first experience with video games. I loved playing Mario Kart and Turok.

What is your biggest achievement: My biggest achievement is where I am now, as a Submission Manager for the ID@Xbox program. I love helping developers release their games on Xbox, and I enjoy seeing all the different games and ideas. Overall, I am very proud of my path in the gaming industry, and I want to continue contributing to it!

What is the last game that had an impact on you? The game that affected me the most recently was Frostpunk. During gameplay, the player needs to make tough decisions to help the city survive in harsh conditions. I love playing this game as it makes you think about making “unpopular” and sometimes heart-breaking decisions to help the city and your people survive.

What advice would you give to your younger self? Take care of your mental health and take breaks. You can’t do all the work possible, so know your limits and don’t push yourself too hard.

What does the word “gamer” mean to you? To me, a gamer is anyone who plays and enjoys video games! This includes people who play on consoles, PCs, mobile devices, and those who play casually or professionally. Basically, it’s everyone.

What do you do: I am a Founder and Senior Product Designer

What video game got you into gaming: Pokemon.

What is your biggest achievement: Creating a gaming and esports career platform called Hivefolio.

What is the last game that had an impact on you? Naraka Bladepoint.

What advice would you give to your younger self? Continue to be passionate about your interests, bring people together, and help others become the best they can be.

What does the word “gamer” mean to you? A person with a creative point of view on life and the imaginative vision that can bring new experiences to others.

What do you do: I am currently the Senior Director of Product Management for Ad Monetisation, leading the monetization effort, specifically in-game advertising, at Activision Blizzard King.

What video game got you into gaming: Civilization.

What is your biggest achievement: Although I am not directly working in game design, I am able to support and empower one of the world’s most beloved games by creating a diversified revenue stream.

What is the last game that had an impact on you? Half-Life: Alyx. The game has stood the test of time with its undeniable immersive experience and storytelling; the VR experiences make it even more compelling and exciting. It demonstrates what VR/AR technology could bring to the next level of gaming experiences for players, which is super exciting!

What advice would you give to your younger self? The biggest regret you would have in life is living with unfulfilled potential. Explore and unlock your hidden potential.

What does the word “gamer” mean to you? Gamers are storytellers who dare to challenge and express themselves, one session, one level at a time.

What do you do: I am Game Director and Art Director.

What video game got you into gaming: Kingdom Hearts.

What is your biggest achievement: Becoming a leader who makes a positive impact on teams and games I work on.

What is the last game that had an impact on you? Baldur’s Gate 3 – It took me back to what playing games in my bedroom as a kid was like. It had me hooked with the characters, engaging gameplay, and a unique approach to combat in games.

What advice would you give to your younger self? Don’t worry about what anyone else is doing, focus on yourself and what you want to achieve! And have fun!

What does the word “gamer” mean to you? A gamer can be anyone who plays games, no matter who they are. Games come in all different forms, just like gamers! Never judge a game by its cover. Or a gamer!

What do you do: I am a Streamer.

What video game got you into gaming: Super Mario World.

What is your biggest achievement: Being invited to a game launch party.

When did you decide you wanted to work within the industry? Two years ago when I started my channel, I saw other creators and their input in games.

What is your biggest motivation for working in the games industry? To better the industry.

What is the last game that had an impact on you? Final Fantasy VII Rebirth.

What advice would you give to your younger self? Don’t compare yourself to others.

What does the word “gamer” mean to you? Someone who turns on a console/PC to game.

What do you do: I am a Workplace Experience Manager – I look after happiness and connection in our remote-first studio.

What video game got you into gaming: The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time.

What is your biggest achievement: I brought together most of my colleagues for our studio’s first Global Meet Up. Almost 50 of us gathered in Miami for a week of co-working and team-building. We made so many wonderful memories and got to know each other in new ways that have really enhanced our remote working together.

What is the last game that had an impact on you? Stray. I enjoyed being a ginger cat unravelling mysteries in a futuristic dystopian setting. It left me feeling very reflective about what it means to be human and the importance of memory.

What advice would you give to your younger self? I never imagined myself working in video games when I was younger, as I had no idea how to enter the industry or the roles that it entailed. I originally decided to pursue my first role because I was curious about what it could teach me about creating amazing campaigns for books. But I’ve stayed since because I’ve found the industry so rich in storytelling and storytellers, and I have felt much less like the odd one out in this industry than in any other!

So my advice would have been: this industry has a lot of opportunities for you to do what you love and follow your curiosity, and to be around like-minded people, so explore it by attending events and games!

What does the word “gamer” mean to you? I define a gamer as someone who enjoys playing or making video games, regardless of what they play or make, or how much. Whether they play regularly or dip in occasionally.

Since entering the industry, I’ve realised video games are much more expansive than I originally thought, and there are infinite ways to experience and enjoy them.

What do you do: I currently work in hospitality.

What video game got you into gaming: Need for Speed.

When did you decide you wanted to work within the industry? Attending events like WASD X IGN and EGX, along with connecting with various streamers currently in the games industry, encouraged me to look for a career in gaming.

What is your biggest motivation for working in the games industry? My biggest motivation for working in the games industry is my desire to make a positive and long-lasting impact.

What is your biggest achievement: Becoming a Twitch Affiliate.

What is the last game that had an impact on you? God of War Ragnarok – the game’s story mode was a rollercoaster of emotions from start to finish.

What advice would you give to your younger self?

What does the word “gamer” mean to you? To me, the word “gamer” is more than just a person simply playing games. A “gamer” is a person who connects with like-minded gamers, builds their own community, and serves as a role model for people, especially those who also want to get into gaming.

What do you do: I am a marketing and publishing product lead at Chucklefish. I am responsible for everything that is needed to bring a game to market.

What video game got you into gaming: The original Mortal Kombat on the SEGA Megadrive.

What is your biggest achievement: Despite working across several AAA and indie launches throughout my career, I think my biggest achievement is working on my own game. It’s not ready yet (watch this space!), but I’m really proud of myself for picking up and learning new skills over the past 3 years.

It’s been a lot of fun, and I hope one day I get to replace this comment with “I released my game!”.

What is the last game that had an impact on you? Playing through Disco Elysium really made me want to create my own titles! To me, it is a perfect 10/10 title. No notes. Everything from the writing, music, narrative design, art, voice acting… it’s a real ‘greater than the sum of its parts’ kind of game. It tackles thought-provoking topics in such a way that you can engage with its meaning in multiple different ways. Its sub and metatext are fascinating!

What advice would you give to your younger self? Create as much, and as deeply as you can, because art is the answer to everything! Draw, paint, sketch, write, and then share it all, even if you think it’s ‘bad’. Only you can make the art that lives inside of you.

What does the word “gamer” mean to you? Anyone who likes to engage with the medium. It doesn’t matter if you play one title for 1000 hours, or multiple titles, here and there, across different platforms – if you like playing games, then you’re a gamer!

What do you do: Cosplay and Just Dance Creator

What video game got you into gaming: Just Dance back in 2009 on the Wii!

What is your biggest achievement:

What is the last game that had an impact on you? Stardew Valley! It was great to just play something chill and switch off for the day.

What advice would you give to your younger self?

What does the word “gamer” mean to you? For me, it means community and the amazing people I’ve met through gaming!

What do you do: I am a self-employed dancer and choreographer.

What video game got you into gaming: I have been gaming for years (at least since the early ’90s). The two games that really were “aha” moments for me though were Final Fantasy in 1997 and The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time in 1998.

What is the last game that had an impact on you? It’s hard to say as there have been so many! I would say the most recent God of War games have been incredible to play! Amazing graphics and excellent stories being told in both.

What does the word “gamer” mean to you? Fun, free, intelligent, immersive, emotions.

What do you do:  I am a Content Creator.

What video game got you into gaming: Bratz Rock Angelz PS2

What is the last game that had an impact on you? A Way Out by Hazelight Studios – It’s a co-op game that is story-heavy. The characters are well-developed, and the story has 2 endings 👀. The same company created “It Takes Two,” which was a close second option. (Big up Hazelight Studios)

What does the word “gamer” mean to you? The term “gamer” used to have a lot of negative connotations growing up, more specifically “girl gamer.” As the industry evolves, so does the term. I’m now much more comfortable with being a gamer.

What do you do: I am a Content Creator.

What video game got you into gaming: GTA 1

What is your biggest achievement: Becoming a Twitch affiliate.

What is the last game that had an impact on you? Apex Legends.

What advice would you give to your younger self? Follow your passion in gaming. It’s your first love.

What does the word “gamer” mean to you? Anyone who plays games. Mobile games, board games, 1st person shooters. As long as you’re playing a game, you’re a gamer.

What do you do: I create content focusing on new games, alongside updates and news.

What video game got you into gaming: Watching my day play the first iteration of Lara Croft when I was very young.

What is the last game that had an impact on you? Bramble The Mountain King, absolutely phenomenal game that took me by surprise, loved learning about the Nordic folklore.

What does the word “gamer” mean to you? Gamer is a word for anyone that shares the passion of gaming. Similar to how people share other hobbies, there isn’t any higher level, its just simply a word for people that want to enjoy and make games. We can all share the same feeling of being a gamer, nothing more nothing less.

What do you do: Narrative Designer

What video game got you into gaming: Kingdom Hearts 2

What is your biggest achievement: I can’t tell anyone yet!

What is the last game that had an impact on you? Baldur’s Gate 3 – The level of detail each playthrough can have is such a remarkable achievement on top of a cast of incredible characters.

What advice would you give to your younger self? Just concentrate on the joy – not what anyone else thinks.

What does the word “gamer” mean to you? As simple as someone who enjoys playing games!

What do you do: I work in banking and finance.

What video game got you into gaming: I have always played games here and there, but I really got into gaming during COVID.

What is the last game that had an impact on you? Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth. I played the demo, and it was such a surreal experience with the gameplay, graphics, and storyline.

What does the word “gamer” mean to you? Anyone who enjoys games

What do you do: I am a Content Creator, VA, Twitch Ambassador, and Podcast Host. So, a lot of games.

What video game got you into gaming: We always had games in our household. My Dad had an Atari 7800 and an original NES with Super Mario Bros., but for many years I never really thought about video games.

So, the game that really got me into video games was probably Pokemon. The initial 90’s craze was so all-encompassing, and I just wanted more.

What is your biggest achievement: I should probably say something like becoming a Twitch Ambassador, or streaming in front of so many people, but I would honestly be fibbing.

What I really love about what I’ve done in my time as a content creator was getting to work with companies like Nintendo and Square Enix. Going to the Tears of the Kingdom and FF7 Rebirth launch events. If my ten-year-old self knew about any of that, it would have blown their mind.

What is the last game that had an impact on you? I’ve been playing through Final Fantasy VII again to re-experience the game now that Rebirth is out, and it reconfirmed just how much I love that story. Its themes of identity, loss, and dealing with trauma had a tremendous impact on me.

It was the first game to really engage me from a narrative perspective, and it’s just incredibly cool seeing that same story hitting just as hard today.

What advice would you give to your younger self? Take more chances and allow yourself to fail, because it’s your greatest teacher. And most importantly, be kinder to yourself.

What does the word “gamer” mean to you? Ideally, Gamer is literally just anyone who plays video games. You pick up a controller, you’re a gamer. I think a lot of people online put up these imaginary boundaries because they’re afraid of losing that ‘status’ that they’ve ascribed to themselves.

They want to feel superior over others by being exclusionary, and that’s just really, really sad. Gaming is for everyone.

What do you do: I’m an MPhil student by day and a content creator by night. Currently, I’m researching women’s experiences in online gaming. As for the content I make, I create reviews, “before you buy” guides, news roundups, and top list videos for RPGs, cozy, and indie games.

What video game got you into gaming: After a 2-year hiatus from gaming, Witcher 3 and Fallout 4 got me back into it. That sense of wonder, exploration, and experiencing a branching story gripped me, and I fell into the trap of “Let me play for one more hour”. As a kid, I used to love The Sims and GTA.

What is your biggest achievement: So far, it’s been the community that I have built, offering an engaging, inclusive, kind, and loving space for all gamers. I’m proud of the channel I have built from the ground up, and its success goes back to my community who supports every decision I make.

What is the last game that had an impact on you? Funnily enough, the most recent one is not an RPG nor a cozy game. It’s Far Cry 6’s story that left me in tears by the end of the campaign. I played it right as the revolution was unfolding back home in Lebanon, and getting to see Dany, the main character, go through the trauma of an unfolding war left an impact on me.

What advice would you give to your younger self? I wish I had started sooner. I always dreamt of starting a YouTube channel but fear of judgment held me back. I didn’t know the response I would get and how I could explain my love for gaming within a society that associates video games with young boys.

I wish I hadn’t let overthinking hold me back and I just went for it right then and there. So I would say, “Don’t doubt yourself and recognize, you are going to be the change you want to see. You got this.”

What does the word “gamer” mean to you? For me, gaming is escapism from the world. To be a gamer means I have thousands of worlds to be part of, along with thousands of characters that I can play as.

Being a gamer lets me explore endless possibilities and find peace when life’s stresses get too overwhelming. Being a gamer holds a near and dear connotation to me.

I’m so proud of this hobby that I am now researching at uni as well and I hope to pursue a career in it. Being a gamer expanded my horizons, let me discover a unique part of myself that I get to share with the world, and let me build an amazing, bubbly community that I’m so lucky to be the founder of.

What do you do: I’m a Game Artist.

What video game got you into gaming: Overwatch.

What is your biggest achievement: The current game I’m working on – Project: FLUX. I’ve had the opportunity to go to conventions such as GGFest24 and Insomnia 72 to showcase our demo to the public. It has been extremely enjoyable and is the biggest achievement I have so far! I can’t wait to release the game on all platforms.

What is the last game that had an impact on you? Project: FLUX – It’s a game that I’m currently developing. It’s a puzzle pixel platformer that I’ve been passionate about working on. I am the only artist working on it, so it has been a lot of hard work, but I am very proud of how it’s turning out.

What advice would you give to your younger self? Even if you play only a few games, follow your passion for being in the gaming industry and it will all work out.

What does the word “gamer” mean to you? To me, a gamer is anyone who plays video games! Whether it’s casual or competitive, I’ve been in both areas of the gaming industry, including esports. But I think anyone can consider themselves to be a gamer.

What do you do: Content Creation!

What video game got you into gaming: My dad brought me and my sister a Gameboy Advance back from Japan when he was on a business trip. I could barely read yet, but it was so exciting; almost nobody had one. Playing Pokemon Blue and racing my sibling, who had Red, had us playing constantly, anywhere. By the time I could read properly, I was already hooked.

What is your biggest achievement: Probably joining Black Twitch UK as a creator. It’s an organisation I’d always looked up to, so to be a part of their work has been incredible.

What is the last game that had an impact on you? Probably Celeste. I was playing it recently as a friend sent it to me to try, and as someone who’d never played a game like it, it was super hard. It taught me though that you kind of need to learn how to fail. At first, I was racking up deaths without even thinking about why.

By the time I finished, I knew how to look back on my failures and learn. Reaching the final checkpoint with everyone rallying me on felt like one of the biggest successes of my time streaming. Every time I lose now in things, I think about how I could have given up at a healthy 200 deaths or something and missed out on the reward of completing it.

What advice would you give to your younger self? Just try things. There are so many times I’ve been scared to do or try something, but my greatest wins have all come from taking that risk. It’s definitely easier to say than do, but it’s also much harder to regret not shooting that shot.

What does the word “gamer” mean to you? A gamer to me is anyone who finds enjoyment out of the medium of games, whether it’s making them, playing them all the time, like me, or someone like my Mum who I had to teach Animal Crossing and loves puzzle games… We all find our own value in them and I think that’s kind of amazing!

What do you do: Drag Artist

What video game got you into gaming: Mirror’s Edge

What is your biggest achievement: Hosting TwitchCon AMS 2022 Drag Showcase & becoming the UK & Ireland’s first Drag Twitch Partner

What is the last game that had an impact on you? Tell Me Why.

What advice would you give to your younger self? Don’t hide your love for it. Gaming is for everyone, even in the queer community

What does the word “gamer” mean to you? A person that has a passion for gaming, experiencing escapism, and the true feeling of “anything is possible”

What do you do: I’m a presenter, broadcaster, and host.

What video game got you into gaming: Streets of Rage – I would spend hours over the summer playing co-op with my sister and other family members, making up all sorts of meta narratives for the characters. That’s what got me hooked into the world of video games and their scope for storytelling.

What is your biggest achievement: Lando Norris kicked me out of a car once. That was pretty cool.

What is the last game that had an impact on you? I’ve been playing games my entire life, and no game has had a greater impact on me since the release of Disco Elysium in 2019. Admittedly, it took a long time for me to ‘get it’ since I’ve always struggled with Tabletop Role-Playing Games and games adjacent to them. But once Disco Elysium clicked for me, everything shifted.

The world and storytelling are both so rich, the Thought Cabinet is an innovative take on a familiar mechanic in the RPG genre, and while the setting has the capacity to be bleak and droll, it manages to be a game about hope, which is sorely needed these days.

What advice would you give to your younger self? Find your tribe. I totally get wanting to do things on your own merit, but I can’t overstate the importance of finding a community – not just to help provide connections but to be your cheerleaders and support system.

What does the word “gamer” mean to you? Gamer is a word that I’ve resisted using for myself, especially in recent years. Incels and people of their ilk have taken the word “gamer” and used it as a cudgel over anyone they deem to be lesser than (anyone not straight, cis, white, male).

When I was younger, though, it was a word that I’d happily use to describe myself because it meant that I could find other nerds to be in community with. Like “you’re cool, we have the same interests, let’s be friends!”

What do you do: Video Game Content Creator

What video game got you into gaming: Final Fantasy Series (JRPGs)

What is your biggest achievement: Becoming a Twitch ambassador and becoming a recognized person for diversity and inclusion within the gaming industry

What is the last game that had an impact on you? Final Fantasy VII: Rebirth

What advice would you give to your younger self? Take the leap, you’re missing out on so many opportunities because you’re feigning interest in an alt community with people you don’t even like!

What does the word “gamer” mean to you? To me, a gamer is someone imaginative, someone who loves innovative and entertaining distractions from the real world. Someone who enjoys the thrill of playing games with or without friends.

What do you do: I am a Streamer.

What video game got you into gaming: Tetris, funny enough.

What is your biggest achievement: My biggest achievement so far is definitely being given the opportunity by Redbull & Insomnia to put on a panel to talk about diversity within gaming.

I did this alongside other creators from various backgrounds and we worked together to make sure we were all happy with the questions that were going to be asked, be comfortable with them of course, and share any experiences to make ourselves more aware within the scene.

It was a successful panel with a lot of attention from people wanting us to do more, which we will be doing for sure.

What is the last game that had an impact on you? Last of Us – Full of emotion and felt realistic.

What advice would you give to your younger self? I would tell myself to stop looking for role models within gaming as I never found anyone to look up to. As a South Asian woman, it was very difficult to get to where I am today and I always wanted to just give up and live up to the ‘standards’ instead.

However, I decided I wanted to be the change that needs to happen and showcase what you can achieve if you stick to it no matter how many people will bring you down. Keep going, be the change to make the change is what I go by.

What does the word “gamer” mean to you? It means to indulge in another world, being able to escape reality.

What do you do: I’m an Actor, Comedian, Voice Over Artist.

What video game got you into gaming: There were many when I was younger, but I specifically remember getting incredibly hyped for Teenage Mutant Hero Turtles on the NES. My older brother managed to get a NES for his birthday. It was so unexpected, we were bouncing off the walls. It wasn’t even my birthday, hahaha!

What is your biggest achievement: I’d say being able to become an ambassador for BAFTA’s Young Game Designer Awards. It’s a great initiative in which designers as young as 10 years old conceptualise and also create their very own video games. I would have loved to have had such opportunities as a kid and I’m super proud to be involved with the team in terms of showcasing young designers’ ideas, designs, and dreams.

What is the last game that had an impact on you? Planet of Lana, a superb indie title that I played through in two sittings. I was so engrossed. Great mechanics and an emotional story told without any spoken dialogue or texts.

What advice would you give to your younger self? Stick at it and keep learning. The games industry is constantly evolving at such a fast rate, so keep being a student and absorb what you can!

What does the word “gamer” mean to you? Gamer to me means anyone who enjoys playing games. Whether they be PC gamers, console gamers, mobile or just board and card games. If you enjoy having fun playing games, you’re a gamer.

What do you do: I work as a Senior Researcher in Games. I research the notion of fun in games and understand player experiences and behaviors.

What video game got you into gaming: I’ve always enjoyed games, but if I needed to pick one, it would probably be Need For Speed: Underground Rivals.

What is your biggest achievement: My biggest achievement is doing my master’s thesis on multiplayer games, working with other women players to understand what they like in games and translating those into games.

What is the last game that had an impact on you? I went back to playing old NES games on Nintendo and had a surge of nostalgia. I grew up playing video games with my dad, including NES games, Need for Speed, and old 2K Wrestling games.

I love that it’s an experience shared across generations in my family. I played a lot of PSP games with my nephew, and now he’s making his way into the industry as well!

What advice would you give to your younger self? Don’t be shy to say that you want to work on games. They’re not frivolous, no matter what anyone says!

What does the word “gamer” mean to you? Creative, adventurous, skillful, and dexterous!

What do you do: I am currently a streamer and content creator, with my goal being to work in the industry in a community management/marketing position.

What video game got you into gaming: Super Mario World is both the game that got me into gaming and my earliest gaming memory. I was hooked right from the moment I started moving Mario.

What is your biggest achievement: My biggest achievement is graduating from university after studying Game Design.

What is the last game that had an impact on you? The last game that really left an impression on me was Venba, as it did a wonderful job with its focus on family and culture.

What advice would you give to your younger self? I would advise my younger self to find what it is you enjoy the most and put your everything into making that your dream career.

What does the word “gamer” mean to you? To me, the word “gamer” means you experience joy from playing video games, no matter the type of game, platform, or length of time spent playing.

What do you do: Social Media Manager @ Creative Marketing Agency Specialising in Esports & Gaming AND Content Creator

What video game got you into gaming: Spyro or Age of Empires.

What is your biggest achievement: Getting to meet people within the industry who have had a profound effect on it, as well as being able to bring my other passions to life on stage and connect with a larger audience at events.

What is the last game that had an impact on you? Witcher 3 sparked something in me which not many games could. I loved it so much I got it tattooed on me and feel like a lot of my gaming experiences now compare to that game.

What advice would you give to your younger self? Don’t worry about not knowing what you want to do, you still don’t at 31, and that’s fine. You will find your way and you can be part of an exciting and ever-growing industry which you spend a lot of time being a consumer in!

What does the word “gamer” mean to you? Someone who enjoys switching off from the real world and diving into a fake one, whether to challenge themselves, relax, have fun, and connect with friends or any other of the many reasons so many people look to games for entertainment.

What do you do: I am a solo developer.

What video game got you into gaming: Mario.

What is your biggest achievement: My biggest achievement in my video game career was showcasing my game at Insomnia72. This was the first time my game was publicly playable, allowing me to gather valuable feedback and engage directly with the gaming community.

The experience was not only a technical challenge but also a significant milestone in validating my skills and passion for game design.

What is the last game that had an impact on you? Smash Bros.

What advice would you give to your younger self? If I could advise my younger self, it would be to trust the process and be patient, even when development seems slow. Creating something meaningful, especially a game, takes time and persistence.

There will be moments of doubt and frustration, but each challenge is a step towards improving your skills and understanding. Remember, every great game was once a work in progress. So, keep pushing forward, learn from every experience, and believe in your journey—it will be worth it.

What does the word “gamer” mean to you? To me, a “gamer” is someone who loves playing video games.

What do you do: I’m an F1 content creator.

What video game got you into gaming: Pokemon Yellow

What is your biggest achievement: It’s hard to choose one, but two of these haven’t happened yet! The first one is raising £11,563.38 for Cancer Research UK over three 24-hour streams!

The second is organising a skydiving event for the 27th of July in aid of cancer research, where we will hopefully double that number!

The third is starting a company called ‘I Made This Limited’ with my partner and friend to release our card game called ‘Creator Clash CCG’ (collectible card game) in August! It’s something that’s been in the works for a couple of years!

What is your biggest motivation for working in the games industry? To use these amazing platforms to spread awareness of incredible causes and to help people through doing what we love, which is playing video games.

When did you decide you wanted to work within the industry? I have two reasons: When my favourite charity, Cancer Research UK, decided to move into the gaming industry to collaborate with content creators and games to raise money, and when makeup brands such as Charlotte Tilbury started entering the space.

What is the last game that had an impact on you? F1 21 – This was my first F1 game and it made me fall in love with the sport even more (if that was possible), being able to race my favourite tracks myself and experience winning a race.

What advice would you give to your younger self? DON’T GIVE UP! Just carry on with what you’re doing. Be your true self and you will find friends who love you for you. Be proud of who you are and remember that being different is a strength, not a weakness!

What does the word “gamer” mean to you? A gamer to me is someone who wants to live in the story and escape the real world into another world where they can be a different character and experience things they wouldn’t be able to in real life. It also has value in everyday things like problem-solving, hand-eye coordination, and even reaction times.

What do you do: I’m a Marketing Manager

What video game got you into gaming: Sonic The Hedgehog

What is your biggest achievement: The work that I am doing with Connected, the DEI initiative from Electric Square & Lively. Our studios have 250+ skilled game developers in our DEI group who are passionate about supporting aspiring talent in the games industry.

What is the last game that had an impact on you? I really enjoyed playing Hollow Knight. I enjoyed the deep lore, the action, and the challenge.

What advice would you give to your younger self? To believe in yourself, to trust the path you’re on. Most importantly though, I think it’s important to seek mentorship and networking opportunities.

I wasn’t aware of the number of awesome opportunities available to aspiring developers when I was younger. I strongly encourage anyone who is considering a career path in games to check out organisations like the BAME in Games Mentorship Programme and Push Far Mentorship Programme.

What does the word “gamer” mean to you? To me, a gamer is someone who is enthusiastic about games. They either play them for fun or for work.

What do you do? I’m a Quality Engineering Manager.

What video game got you into gaming? The original Mario.

What is your biggest achievement? Being asked to be on the women and eSports committee for British sports.

What is the last game that had an impact on you? The Shenmue series is amazing. It has the most amazing story and lots of quirky mini games. I really lost myself in this series and was over the moon when the 3rd instalment came out after a very long wait.

What advice would you give to your younger self? Pace yourself! Not everything needs to happen now. Take your time, work hard, and you’ll get there.

What does the word “gamer” mean to you? As a gamer, I love to have fun. I have always gamed and it has been the most amazing way to bond with my son. We not only game together, but we also go to gaming events together and meet like-minded people.

Gaming brings people of all ages and backgrounds together in a way that’s so unique and meaningful.

What do you do: Operations Manager at Cove Coven.

What video game got you into gaming: Crash Bandicoot.

What is your biggest achievement: Develop Star 2021 Winner.

What is the last game that had an impact on you? Candy Crush. I was having a really hard time during my pregnancy and was in the hospital quite a lot. My manager at the time told me about Candy Crush to pass my time and ease my anxiety, and it did just that. This game allows me to have my alone time without having to pick up a controller, as an easy win.

What advice would you give to your younger self? Be your most authentic self.

What does the word “gamer” mean to you? Not being confined to being you for the day and taking time to enjoy one’s own company.