Dream Con Celebrates the Game-Changers in the Gaming Industry for 2025!

This February, we’re highlighting three incredible figures who are shaping the gaming industry in multiple ways:

Kahlief Adams

Kahlief Adams is a journalist known as the creator and host of “Spawn On Me,” a podcast that spotlights the contributions of underrepresented communities in gaming. His work in advocating for social change and equity in the gaming world has earned him much renown and respect from his peers in the industry. In fact, Adams was recognized at The Game Awards (2021) as a “Global Gaming Citizen,” acknowledging his ongoing contributions to conversations around race and representation in gaming. 

Mia Ginaé Watkins

Mia Ginaé Watkins is an award-winning filmmaker, writer, speaker, and current Creative Operations Coordinator at Riot Games. She is also the co-lead for Riot Noir, Riot Games’ Black identity group. Previously, Watkins worked at PlayStation and had the opportunity to work with and on titles such as Uncharted: The Lost Legacy, Death Stranding, The Last of Us Part II, and Days Gone. In 2022, she was recognized as one of She Plays Games’ Top 100 Women in Gaming for continuing to positively impact the industry for female creators and gamers everywhere. You can find Watkins at this year’s Game Developers Conference in San Francisco from March 17-21!

Victor “Punk” Woodley

Victor "Punk" Woodley is a fighting game pro widely regarded as one of the best players in the genre, especially after bringing home multiple wins in the Capcom Pro Tour premier events. His success has broken barriers and continues to inspire Black gamers who want to enter the e-sports arena. Recently, he won the 2024 Evolution Championship Series (EVO) tournament for Street Fighter 6. As a result of this achievement, Punk will be at the Capcom Cup 11 championships this March in Japan, where he’ll compete for the ultimate title of “Street Fighter 6 World Champion!”

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