Portal - Kim Swift
The iconic 2007 game that changed the way that developers treat narrative- in a symbiotic relationship with mechanics. Kim Swift is the lead designer of this iconic game having since worked on: Left 4 Dead, Half-life 2 and Star Wars Battlefront II. Swift is arguably responsible for the game winning game of the year, her unique setting design and incorporation of comedy makes this game truly one of the best of the era.
Animal Crossing: New Horizons - Aya Kyogoku
This is a game that single-handedly made half the population buy a switch in 2020, this continuation of the iconic series added the needed distraction from the coronavirus. Kyogoku was the first woman to direct a game at Nintendo with Animal Crossing: New leaf, so it was only natural that she was brought back. Being the 13th most sold game, Kyogoku proves that she knows what fans want and need with each new update.
Unpacking - Wren Brier
Any fan of the 'cozy game' genre has had a mild obsession with unpacking, the simple game about moving from home to home unboxing items and placing them in the 'right' place. Every gamer has at least heard about this game, and Brier is an amazingly talented developer who managed to thread a beautiful story through zero dialogue. With the main criticism being that it’s 'too short', it’s obvious the game is deeply loved within the gaming community.
Tomb raider (2013) - Rhianna Pratchett
Tomb Raider was renowned for its oversexualisation of its main character, so when the reboot was published it is no surprise that the team consisted of more women. Pratchett was in charge of the writing, developing the character of Laura to feel realistic. This game did an exemplary job at taking Laura’s 90s image of just being a “sex appeal” to making her an example for young women all around the world.
Sims 4 - Lisette Titre-Montgomery
Every gamer knows the Sims franchise, whether it’s just creating characters or building elaborate mansions there’s something for everyone. Titre-Montgomery is the lead character artist for the game, creating the other sims who you interact with. She now is an Art director at Double Fine Productions.