Wednesday, May 22, 2024 -- As part of Xbox’s ongoing partnership with Women in Games International (WIGI), a nonprofit organization with a mission to cultivate resources to advance economic equality and diversity in the global games industry, Xbox is sponsoring six episodes of the highly acclaimed, interactive, monthly livestream called Open World Dialogue to foster conversations with WIGI’s global community. This month marked the second of six Open World Dialogue livestream sessions taking place through September, in a joint mission to elevate women leaders in gaming while providing aspiring future women leaders a space to ask candid questions. 

The livestreams feature industry experts on LinkedIn Live, where individuals with varied needs, goals, and viewpoints can come together to share insights, learn, and grow. Topics will explore matters associated with diversity, equity, and creating space for everyone while navigating relevant issues meaningful to underserved and underrepresented individuals in the global games industry.

Below is the full schedule of previous and upcoming guests and topics they will be addressing, with the recorded sessions remaining online on WIGI’s LinkedIn page for those who are unable to tune in live:
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• April 10

  • ​Speaker: Jenn Panattoni, Head of Xbox Social Impact

  • ​Talk Title: Open World Dialogue with the Head of Social Impact at Xbox

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• May 8: 

  • Speaker: Su Liu, Senior Product Manager at Mojang and Xbox Women in Games Co-Lead

  • Talk Title: Advocacy to Action: Creating Community through Culture

 

• June 12: 

  • Speaker: Katy Jo Wright, Head of Gaming For Everyone + Sustainability at Xbox

  • Talk Title: A Career by Design, not by default: Building a Career with Intention​

 

• July 10:

  • Speaker: Susan Kath, Senior Producer, Zenimax Online

  • Talk Title: Choose Your Character: Embracing Different Roles on the Path to Success

 

• August 14: 

  • Speaker: Kimberly Williams-Osborne, Director of Strategic Partnerships and Licensing at Turn 10 Studios 

  • Talk Title: Use Your Imagination: Non-Tech Roles in Gaming.

 

• September 18: 

  • Speaker: Crystin Cox, Director of Business Strategy at Xbox Game Studios Publishing

  • Talk Title: The Art of LiveOps: Merging Design and Strategy in Online Games

WIGI was founded in 2005 and has been working to highlight, celebrate and connect women, femme-identifying, and nonbinary professionals in the games industry. Through their programs, newsletters, panels, workshops, and networking events, WIGI works to normalize diversity in the games industry by increasing representation and paving the way for the next generation of games industry professionals. 

Xbox shares WIGI’s vision of a more inclusive and diverse games industry, where everyone can play, create, and enjoy games. In its commitment to inspire, support, and empower the next generation of women leaders in gaming, Xbox will also be participating in WIGI’s Run for Equality donation match campaign as a sponsor. The inaugural fundraiser addresses the $0.18 gender pay gap that still exists between men and women. Together, WIGI and Xbox are working to uplift more of the main character energy happening among women in the games industry. 

“For Women’s History Month this year, we wanted to give the spotlight to the amazing women who are already making a difference in the gaming industry. Whether they are leading teams, creating new content, or working on the games we already love – talented women are shaping the industry every day,” said Jenn Panattoni, Head of Xbox Social Impact. “That’s why we are proud to work with Women in Games International and share the stories of women at team Xbox, hoping that seeing women succeed in the industry will inspire more women to pursue careers in gaming."

“At WIGI, we envision a world where all professionals have equal opportunities and access to a safe and diverse workforce in the global video game, tabletop, and esports industries,” said Joanie Kraut, CEO of Women in Games International. “We are thrilled to partner with Xbox to host these much needed sessions, and hope in sharing these open dialogues that we encourage more women to go after their dreams and, as a result, build a more inclusive industry.”

Learn more about this partnership from Xbox at aka.ms/XboxWHM. For more information on WIGI, please visit www.getwigi.com.  

About Women in Games International
Women in Games International (WIGI) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with a mission to cultivate resources to advance economic equality and diversity in the global games industry. By developing and promoting such resources as advanced knowledge sharing, access to technology, professional development skills, and actionable mentorship programs, WIGI works to normalize women in the global gaming industry by eliminating barriers and increasing access and opportunities for all. For more information, visit www.getwigi.com.