Honoring Trailblazing Women in Gaming: Pioneers and Innovators

As International Women’s Day arrives, it’s a fitting time to acknowledge the pivotal influence women have had in the gaming industry. From the very start, women have been at the forefront, shaping the evolution of how we play, narrate stories, and engage with digital realms. Their invaluable contributions call for our deepest admiration and celebration.

In spirit of this, we’re thrilled to share the first two parts of an exclusive conversation with Roberta Williams, one of gaming’s highly influential figures—more excerpts will be released throughout the month.

Roberta, co-founder of Sierra On-Line and creator of the legendary King’s Quest series, broke new ground in storytelling and game design. Her trailblazing efforts and the impactful work of other women like Kim Swift, who crafted Portal, have continuously expanded the horizons of gaming. These talented women not only developed cherished games but also paved the way for future generations to envision themselves in the industry—as developers, writers, designers, and producers alike.

Women have been making noteworthy strides in every corner of the gaming universe—from design and development to storytelling and production. As we persist in breaking barriers and supporting diverse perspectives, we proudly spotlight the voices shaping both the industry’s history and its future.

In this exclusive interview, Roberta reflects on her pioneering journey, delving into her passion for mysteries, the creation of Laura Bow—one of gaming’s early heroines—and shares advice for young women aspiring to enter gaming. She also reveals what inspired her to return with the adventure, Colossal Cave. Her transformative work in interactive storytelling has kindled the creativity of countless creators, providing invaluable insights into the past, present, and future roles women play in gaming.

Championing women’s achievements in gaming also involves forwarding our gaze to the future. Today’s efforts by women architects are setting the stage for a new wave of innovators eager to push boundaries and motivate others. It’s crucial to ensure that women’s voices are both heard and celebrated—now and always.

Discover Games Shaped by Women Creators

Celebrate International Women’s Day with the gamified joy of play. Throughout March and beyond, delve into a selection of game collections spotlighting iconic creations by women developers who’ve lent their unique perspectives to the gaming realm we enjoy today.

Here are a few highlights from our comprehensive Xbox Game Collection honoring International Women’s Day:

KeyLocker – Step into a cyberpunk turn-based rhythm RPG. Play as singer-songwriter B0B0, harnessing the electric power of music to navigate an unforgiving planet, executing moves in rhythm-game style. Choose your path, battle through corruption and uncover Saturn’s secrets—tune into KeyLocker today!

Dungeons of Hinterberg – Journey to the scenic Austrian Alps, where Luisa, a burnt-out law trainee, takes on the local dungeons in search of adventure. Will she conquer the challenges or return home? Discover her fate by playing Dungeons of Hinterberg today.

Avowed – Set in the fantastical land of Eora, this first-person RPG by Obsidian Entertainment unfolds within the enigmatic Living Lands. As an Aedyr envoy investigating a threatening plague, unearth the mysteries and choices that shape this dynamic world—engage with Avowed today.

Spirit Swap: Lofi Beats to Match-3 To – Join Samar, a spirited young witch, as they tackle an unexpected challenge in Demashq. With her Familiarz by her side, will she keep the spirit-world at bay? Dive into the adventure and play Spirit Swap today.

Mexico 1921: A Deep Slumber – Navigate a century-old enigma as Juan Aguirre, a photojournalist uncovering truths about President Álvaro Obregón’s assassination plot in post-revolutionary Mexico City. Engage in this historical narrative adventure through Mexico 1921 today.

Colossal Cave – Experience a classic adventure full of puzzles, treasure, and danger. Solve mind-bending challenges and uncover the expansive secret plot within the mysterious cave—explore Colossal Cave today.

Spotlighting Women Gaming Pioneers

Marcella Churchill – As a key player in brand marketing, Marcella has led global campaigns at notable companies including Sega of America. Her astute vision has bolstered Sonic the Hedgehog’s popularity across media. Discover more about what lies ahead for Sonic fans and her insightful advice for women aspiring to enter gaming.

Wonder Stormbreaker – Head of Studio Marketing at Undead Labs, Wonder prioritizes authentic connections with the gaming community. Her dedication to storytelling and community engagement has fortified the State of Decay franchise’s strong player base. Explore her strategies for fostering player relationships and staying ahead of industry trends.

Empowering Women Streamers with South of Midnight

In South of Midnight, players embody Hazel, a determined protagonist navigating the American Deep South. As Xbox highlights women in gaming, a special campaign with Instinct3 elevates emerging women streamers, offering them early access to South of Midnight. By uniting smaller streams through supportive raid mechanics, this initiative aims to elevate women creators.

Gaming with Impact

In the U.S., Xbox Rewards members can contribute points to organizations uplifting women, including Women in Games International and the National Center for Transgender Equality.

Xbox Dynamic Backgrounds

Celebrate with the International Women’s Day Xbox wallpaper and dynamic background available on console:

• Press the Xbox button on your controller to open the guide.
• Select Profile & system > Settings > General > Personalization > My background > Dynamic backgrounds.
• Choose your desired background with the A button and personalize your gaming experience.

Today and every day, champion the powerful voices shaping gaming’s horizon.