Cheat Codes: A Podcast Powered by WIGI

In this episode, TaSh Elzie sits down with Rupali Sharma, Group PM at k-ID and product leader with over a decade of experience building safe, ethical, family-focused digital experiences across EA, Take-Two Interactive, and beyond. This conversation covers two things that belong together: what the product career path actually looks like and how to navigate it, and why trust and safety has to be a c...

In this episode, TaSh Elzie sits down with Claire Rozain — CEO of Rzain, founder of SisterSoundFR, and the community architect behind a 900+ member network of gaming leaders spanning 40+ countries. Claire has scaled user acquisition past $1M/month for top gaming and AI companies, held leadership roles at Rovio, Match Group, and Mappy, and launched her own business before turning 30. Through Sister...

We took the Women in Games International Power Leveling series offline for our very first in-person session at GDC. Joined by co-host Mike Knox and an incredible group of individuals, we skip the standard networking advice and discuss the reality of navigating this industry. We break down the mechanics of advocacy, the power of authentic storytelling, and exactly how to move past transactional net...

In this episode of Cheat Codes, TaSh Elzie sits down with PR and marketing veteran Elizabeth Olson to discuss the reality of crowdfunding. Elizabeth brings her years of industry experience to a conversation that moves past the hype and into the actual work required to run a campaign. Having worked together on two separate projects, TaSh and Elizabeth explore the strategic friction between satisfyi...

In this conversation, TaSh Elzie and Mayanna Berrin explore the intricacies of game writing, discussing the transition from animation to video games, the importance of improvisation, and the collaborative nature of game development. Mayanna shares insights on writing for games, tips for solo developers, and the unique aspects of storytelling in the gaming medium. They also touch on the role of gam...

Join host TaSh as she chats with Victoria Tran, a renowned voice in the gaming world, known for her incredible work in community and marketing, and author of a new book. This episode dives into the power of efficient community management for marketing your game, how we can foster truly supportive and kind spaces online, and how community managers can feel empowered and effective.

Join host TaSh as she dives into the world of game creation with Renee Gittins, CEO and Creative Director of Stumbling Cat. This episode is for the curious and anyone looking for a place to begin their own game-making adventure. Renee shares insights on sparking game ideas, building your essential development "squad," navigating the challenges from concept to release, and the power of tr...

In this episode, TaSh discusses the intersection of mental health and the gaming industry, sharing personal experiences with anxiety and the challenges of feeling both overworked and underpaid. She emphasizes the importance of community and connection in navigating these challenges, encouraging listeners to seek out supportive spaces and to name the issues they face in order to foster change.

This episode of Cheat Codes dives into the power of gaming as a force for good! Host TaSh sits down with Savannah Badalich and Jessica Murrey to explore World Reborn, an innovative game that blends storytelling, behavioral science, and a whole lot of heart. Get ready for a conversation that challenges how we think about games, focusing on player empowerment, real-world impact, and building a commu...

This episode of Cheat Codes dives into the powerful community of women in the gaming industry. TaSh shares insights from GDC, where she connected with over 20 leaders, and explores their experiences, challenges, and the impact of community support. This isn't your typical industry chat; it's a real talk about representation, creating change, and the strength of women supporting women. A hu...

Ever wondered how to turn online connections into real-life friendships and opportunities? On this episode of Cheat Codes, we're cracking the code with Parker, the communications mastermind from Women in Games International and IGDA. We'll explore the secrets to building inclusive online spaces, fostering a sense of belonging, and translating those virtual bonds into IRL meetups, collabora...

Join host TaSh in a celebratory episode marking the 20th anniversary of Women in Games International (WIGI). Special guest Joanie Kraut, CEO of WIGI, shares her insights on the organization's journey and impact on the gaming industry. They delve into WIGI's mission, highlighting the importance of mentorship, community, and actionable resources for career development. Tune in to discover the exciti...

In this episode, host TaSh interviews Charmaine Duff, founder of Women-Led Games and producer at Pancake Game Studio. They discuss the challenges women face in the gaming industry, the importance of visibility and representation, and the role of community support. Charmaine shares her journey in creating Women-Led Games as a response to the cancellation of a women's day event and highlights the ne...

The gaming industry's recent layoffs have hit us hard. It's time to talk about bias in hiring and how we can fight back. Join your host,TaSh, and industry veteran Christina-Marie Drake as they unpack the challenges, share stories of resilience, and equip you with tools to navigate this tough landscape. From networking hacks to skill-building, this episode is packed with actionable advice t...

Join our host, Tash and Rachel Vrabec, CEO of Kanary, as they discuss challenges of being safe online. Show resources: https://www.kanary.com/   To stay in the know with Women in Games International, please visit us at getwigi.com and subscribe to our newsletter. You can also find us on multiple social media platforms @getWIGI.

May is Mental Health Awareness Month and Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month. This month’s episode is a mental health check-in and a reminder that there is safety and support in the community.  Show Resources:  https://projectawr.com/ https://mhanational.org/mental-health-month/act

What is Women In Games International? Why do we do what we do? For this week’s episode, TaSh sits down with WIGI’s Communications Manager, Chantelle Ouano, to talk about the passion behind our mission and the driving force that keeps us pushing forward. Show resources: https://givebutter.com/runforequality

Happy Women’s History Month! To quote Beyoncé, Who Runs the World? GIRLS!  This episode features ⁠Marie Ablaza⁠ , the fairy job mother and cozy games queen. We discuss some tips to stay true to yourself while navigating the gaming industry, staying encouraged during layoffs,  women who inspire us, and cozy games. Show resources: ⁠linkedin.com/in/mariebenigno⁠ ⁠https://thefairyandtheforce.com/⁠  

Being a leader involves inspiring and guiding others towards a common goal, fostering a sense of unity and collaboration within a team. Are you a leader? The only correct answer is YES! Join us as we chat with Mike Knox about how to step into a leadership role and how to be an effective leader.  Show resources: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-knox/ https://matteringlab.com/  

Understanding AI requires us to analyze where it is and guide where it can go. Let's talk about algorithmic bias and some steps can can take to mitigate the damage it has caused.  Some sites mentioned in the show: https://www.credo.ai/ https://www.ajl.org/ https://www.codedbias.com/   Show sources: https://www.media.mit.edu/projects/gender-shades/overview/ https://innocenceproject.org/when-art...

In 2004, actor Geena Davis founded the Geena Davis Institute on Gender in Media. It works to mitigate unconscious bias and fosters inclusion and equality in entertainment and media. It is one of the top global research-based organizations. Data-driven research educates others and empowers people like you and me who are trying to make some meaningful change. Everyone deserves to be seen.  This epis...

Increasing accessibility removes many barriers to entry. How do we build innovation in accessibility into the very foundation of what we are creating? Is this a question of empathy or resources? Quote from Ana Teresa Mota, recruiter from RedCatPig Studio: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ana-teresa-mota/

With the recent news of layoffs in the gaming industry, it is tough not to feel discouraged - especially if you are currently seeking a job. So what can we do when it all feels so big? Where do we even begin? Here are five tips to help you find where to start and keep going.

Neurodivergent brains in the gaming space

How can we advocate for LGBTQIA+ representation and safe spaces?