Women in Games WIGJ New awards to recognise and reward the contribution of women to the UK games industry

Women in Games WIGJ is pleased to announce a new set of awards to recognise and reward the contribution of women to the UK games industry.

The aim of the awards event is to shine the spotlight on the most inspirational and influential professionals in the games business – who just happen to be female.

In partnership with MCV and the Newbay Media Group, 2016 will see MCV and WIGJ searching for the Top 30 Women in Games, whilst also introducing six special categories:

• Rising Star – This category recognises a leading up-and-coming talent from any sector of the business. The judges expect most nominees to be under 30, but consideration will also be given to women who are new (less than three years) to the industry.
• Businesswoman of the Year – An executive who has had a stellar 12 months in terms of driving a company forward and generating significant revenues.
• Creative Impact – Recognising talent in games development and design.
• Unsung Hero – Honouring the vital support roles in the industry, including QA, community managers, studio managers, PR and HR.
• Campaigner – A special award for someone working for or with a games-related charity, or working within a community to use games as a force for change, inclusion, education or improvement.
• Outstanding Contribution of the Year – The award will reflect upon the life of someone who has had a lengthy and successful career at the top of the industry, making positive contributions to the commercial success and public profile of the games industry.

After a call for nominations that ends on 17 February, the MCV and WIGJ teams will then work with a specially selected panel of industry professionals to identify the Top 30 Women from the list of nominations, in addition to voting for the six special awards. The MCV Women In Games Awards ceremony takes place at the Hamyard Hotel, London on Thursday 19 May.

Jenny Richards-Stewart, CEO of Women in Games added: “Women in Games WIGJ is delighted to be in partnership with MCV for the Women of the Year Awards. It is really fantastic to see the contribution made to the games industry by women in all disciplines being rewarded in this way. “I am particularly pleased that Women in Games is sponsoring the Rising Star Award which will recognise an up-and-coming young woman working in our industry. This year’s event is, as always, a great opportunity for all women working in the games industry to socialise and network.”

The call for nominations for this event is open now and runs until 17 February. Please email mcvwomen@nbmedia.com with a brief description of who and why a colleague or peer should be considered.