Summary
- Empowering Future Generations: Xbox promotes a welcoming and diverse gaming industry where women continue to lead and inspire the next wave of creators to push boundaries and innovate.
- Discover Games Shaped by Women Creators: Highlighting iconic games and franchises created by women developers, showcasing how their unique perspectives have shaped the gaming world we know today.
- Spotlighting Women Gaming Pioneers: Celebrating the groundbreaking contributions of women like Roberta Williams who have redefined gaming through their innovation in game design, storytelling, and development.
As we celebrate International Women’s Day, it’s essential to recognize the critical role women play and have played in shaping the gaming industry. Women have been at the forefront of pushing the industry forward since its earliest days. Their contributions have helped shape the way we play, tell stories, and connect with the digital world—contributions that deserve our recognition and celebration.
In celebration of this, we’re excited to feature the first two parts of an exclusive interview with Roberta Williams, one of the most influential women in gaming – we’ll be releasing more excerpts throughout the month.
Roberta co-founded Sierra On-Line and created the iconic King’s Quest series, a groundbreaking achievement in storytelling and game design. From her pioneering work to the impact of other women like Kim Swift, who designed Portal, women have continually redefined the possibilities of gaming. These women, and many others, have not only created beloved games but have also paved the way for future generations of women to see themselves in the industry—whether as developers, writers, designers, or producers.
Women have been influential figures across all areas of the gaming world—from design and development to storytelling and production. As we continue to break down barriers and champion diverse perspectives, we’re proud to amplify the voices of those who have shaped the industry’s past and are shaping its future.
In our exclusive interview with Roberta, she reflects on her pioneering journey in the gaming industry and shares her insights into her love of mysteries, the creation of Laura Bow; one of the first heroines in gaming, advise for young women looking to get into gaming, and what inspired her to return with a new adventure, Colossal Cave. Her groundbreaking work in interactive storytelling has inspired generations of creators, and her thoughts on the past, present, and future of women in gaming offer invaluable perspectives on the road ahead.
As we honor the accomplishments of women in gaming, let’s also look toward the future. The work being done today by women in this industry is setting the stage for a new generation of creators who will continue to push boundaries and inspire others. Let’s ensure that women’s voices are heard, celebrated, and given the platform they deserve—today and every day.
PLAY
Discover Games Shaped by Women Creators
Celebrate International Women’s Day through the power of play. During March and beyond, you can play a variety of game collections highlighting iconic games and franchises created by women developers, showcasing how their unique perspectives have shaped the gaming world we know today.
Check out a few highlights from our full Xbox Game Collection celebrating International Women’s Day:
KeyLocker – A Cyberpunk turn-based rhythm JRPG. Play as the singer and songwriter, B0B0. Fuel your moves with the electric power of music on this unforgiving planet by using real-time execution of moves in rhythm game style! Choose a unique class, battle the authorities, unlock the secrets of Saturn, play in your own band’s concerts, and hack into the network to bring an end to this corrupt system, for better or worse.
Dungeons of Hinterberg – Welcome to Hinterberg, a new tourist hotspot in the idyllic Austrian Alps! You play as Luisa, a burnt-out law trainee taking a break from her fast-paced corporate life to conquer the Dungeons of Hinterberg. There are plenty of dungeons to find and adventures to be had in Hinterberg – will Luisa be sent packing on her first day, or remain to become a Master Slayer? Only one way to find out…
Avowed – Welcome to the Living Lands, a mysterious island filled with adventure and danger. Set in the fictional world of Eora that was first introduced to players in the Pillars of Eternity franchise, Avowed is a first-person fantasy action RPG from the award-winning team at Obsidian Entertainment. You are the envoy of Aedyr, a distant land, sent to investigate rumors of a spreading plague throughout the Living Lands – an island full of mysteries and secrets, danger and adventure, choices and consequences, and untamed wilderness. You discover a personal connection to the Living Lands and an ancient secret that threatens to destroy everything. Can you save this unknown frontier and your soul from the forces threatening to tear them asunder?
Spirit Swap: Lofi Beats to Match-3 To – Samar is a young witch working the spirit-swapping night shift in the eastern outskirts of Demashq. A recent spike in spirits crossing over from another dimension breaks the chill atmosphere of their night shift, so with her trusty Familiarz by her side, she sets off into the city to find out what’s happened. With a popular band scheduled to kick off their big comeback tour in Demashq, Samar needs to work quickly before the city is overrun with stans and spirits alike!
Mexico 1921: A Deep Slumber – An intriguing narrative adventure where you try to solve a hundred-year-old mystery: who planned the assassination of President Álvaro Obregón? You play as Juan Aguirre, a photojournalist who will interview and photograph subjects, collect historical data and report the news that will shape Mexican history. Join Juan in post-revolutionary Mexico City to discover why Mexico ain’t no place for the weak. Developed hand in hand with the National Newspaper Library and the Popular Arts Museum, this game will be an interactive archive of Mexican post-revolutionary history.
Colossal Cave – Embark on a timeless journey through a sprawling cave system packed with treasures, creatures, mazes, and wits-defying puzzles. The great grandpappy of adventure games will test you and tickle your problem-solving skills as you unearth its plot and secrets. Through cunning trial-and-error you will crawl through tight squeezes, encounter impressive caverns, collect inventory, locate treasure, thwart dwarf attacks, all while keeping your eye on the score before your lamp goes out.
DISCOVER
Spotlighting Women Gaming Pioneers
Marcella Churchill – Sr. Director of Brand at SEGA of America
Marcella Churchill is a visionary leader in brand marketing with a track record of spearheading global brand campaigns at LucasArts, EA, Zynga, Discord, and now Sega of America. At Sega, she is redefining transmedia storytelling, transforming iconic franchises into multimedia powerhouses. She has played a key role in elevating Sonic the Hedgehog to new heights, leading brand marketing endeavors supporting blockbuster films, hit TV series, major brand partnerships, and best-selling games. Beyond Sonic, Marcella is driving the resurgence of beloved franchises like Jet Set Radio, Crazy Taxi, Persona, and Like a Dragon, expanding their reach and legacy. Passionate about innovation, she is dedicated to growing Sega’s global brand, crafting unforgettable fan experiences, and pushing the boundaries of brand marketing and gaming entertainment.
Q: You’ve seen incredible growth in the Sonic brand, from successful games to record-breaking movies. What do you think has been the key to Sonic’s ability to cross storytelling mediums and what’s next on the horizon for you and your team?
A: Sonic’s evolution from a beloved video game character to a full-fledged entertainment icon is a testament to the passion and dedication of our team. We’ve focused on staying true to the heart of Sonic—his energy, attitude, and sense of adventure—wh
