Dream Con Highlights Women's Impact on the Gaming Industry

As the gaming industry continues to evolve, it’s the trailblazers who shape the landscape. Meet the powerhouses driving change and championing diversity in the industry. From the boardroom to the virtual battlefield, these women are rewriting the rules.

‍

Sarah Bond

Sarah Bond makes history in 2023 as the President of Xbox and first Black woman to hold such a title at a major gaming company. She is widely recognized for her significant contributions to the gaming industry, particularly in fostering inclusivity and diversity within the gaming community. Throughout her career, she has been an advocate for bringing diverse voices into game development and promoting accessibility in gaming.

‍

Bond has been instrumental in spearheading the ID@Xbox Developer Acceleration Program aimed at empowering independent game developers, creating opportunities for smaller studios to thrive within the Xbox ecosystem. Moreover, Bond has been actively involved in advancing the accessibility features of Xbox consoles and games, ensuring that gaming experiences are inclusive to players of all abilities.

‍

Her recent achievements may include overseeing the successful acquisition of Activision Blizzard to bolster Xbox's first-party game lineup.

‍

Did You Know? Her first memory of playing games was King’s Quest 2, which she played with her father at just six years old.

‍

Brittney Morris

Brittney Morris is a prominent figure in both the literary and gaming worlds, known for her groundbreaking work as a novelist and video game writer.

‍

In 2019, Morris made her literary debut as a best-selling author with the critically acclaimed young adult novel, Slay. The novel garnered widespread praise for its unique premise, which revolves around a young Black girl who creates a virtual reality game celebrating Black culture and identity, while also confronting issues of race and representation within the gaming community.

‍

Morris has used her background in video game design and development to be a vocal advocate for diversity and inclusion within the gaming community. Her narratives have come to life as an Advanced Writer for Insomniac Games with major projects including Spider-Man 2 and their upcoming Wolverine game for PS5. 

‍

As she continues to break new ground in both literature and gaming, Brittney Morris remains a visionary voice whose impact resonates far beyond the pages of her books and the screens of our favorite games.

‍

Did You Know? Earlier this year, Brittney Morris was featured in Shondaland’s series, Head Turners, featuring women excelling in their careers. 

‍

Jeannail “Cuddle_Core” Carter

Jeannail "Cuddle_Core" Carter is a renowned professional gamer and Red Bull athlete who has left her mark on the gaming industry, particularly in the realm of fighting games. Carter is celebrated for her exceptional skills in Tekken 7, where she has established herself as one of the top players globally.

‍

As a Red Bull athlete, Carter has had the opportunity to further amplify her influence and promote esports on a global scale. Through sponsorships, partnerships, and appearances at major gaming events, she continues to advocate for inclusivity and representation within the gaming community.

‍

Beyond her success in competitions, Carter has played a significant role in breaking barriers and promoting diversity within the gaming industry, joining Forbes 30 Under 30 for gaming in 2022. As a Black woman excelling in a male-dominated space, she has inspired countless individuals to pursue their passion for gaming regardless of gender or background.

‍Did You Know? Jeannail Carter has raised over $20,000 for various charitable foundations.

‍

Check out our featured Leading Ladies in the Animation Industry!