Empowering Women in Gaming
About the Campaign
In 1964, Mabel Addis made history as the first female game designer with The Sumerian Game, the first narrative-driven video game. Her groundbreaking work, blending storytelling with interactive gameplay, paved the way for future generations of women in gaming. Yet, her contributions were largely unrecognized for decades.
Our mission is to honor Mabel Addis’ legacy by creating a platform where women can thrive in the gaming industry. We envision a future where women have equal representation and opportunity, shaping the industry not just as characters but as creators, designers, and leaders.
Through Mabel Addis Women in Games Month, we aim to celebrate the women shaping the gaming world today, share inspiring stories, and empower the next generation of innovators. Our goal is to foster a community that supports and amplifies the voices of women in gaming, ensuring they continue to lead and leave their mark on the industry.
Why this matters?
Women gamers are emerging as a growing force in what has historically been a male-dominated space. In India, 44% of gamers are now women—that’s over 260 million gamers. Despite this progress, the representation of women as creators, developers, and leaders in the industry remains limited.
Diversity matters because it brings unique perspectives to game design, storytelling, and innovation, enriching the gaming industry with diverse ideas and experiences that resonate with broader audiences. Without deliberate efforts to address this imbalance, the industry risks missing out on the creative and innovative contributions of nearly half the population. Representation isn’t just about equity—it’s about ensuring the gaming industry reaches its full potential.
Activities
Inspiring the
Next Generation
Interactive workshops across Indian colleges to inspire and empower women to explore careers in gaming and tech. Connect with industry leaders, game developers, and entrepreneurs for real-world insights and opportunities.
We aim to bridge the gap between women students and the gaming industry. Partnering with leading gaming companies, we’ll offer students valuable internship opportunities, opening doors to exciting career paths.
In-depth panel discussions with prominent industry leaders to explore vital topics such as diversity, career growth, and overcoming challenges in the gaming and tech industries.
Features
Women shaping the future
of gaming in India
Discover the inspiring stories of women leading the way in India’s dynamic gaming industry—driving innovation, creating groundbreaking games, and transforming the country as a global gaming superpower.
Salone Sehgal
Salone Sehgal is the Founding General Partner of Lumikai, India’s first dedicated interactive media and gaming VC. With over 15 years of experience in global games and media investment, Salone has been instrumental in backing some of India’s most innovative gaming companies.
“Gaming is mainstream, yet women’s representation as creators, developers, and leaders remains limited. With women making up 44% of gamers in India and growing opportunities across the ecosystem of interactive media and gaming, we need to join hands to build a more inclusive industry”
Namratha Swamy
Namratha Swamy is the driving force behind the success of Mobile Premier League (MPL), one of India’s largest skill-gaming platforms. With a blend of technical know-how and business acumen, she has elevated MPL into a household name in gaming.
“The gaming industry holds tremendous potential for growth, and women have a critical role to play in its evolution. By bringing women in, we don’t just benefit women—we enrich the industry as a whole. Mabel Addis’s legacy reminds us that the future of gaming needs women not just as players, but as decision-makers, designers, and disruptors. This is the moment for us to push boundaries and break the cycle of underrepresentation.”
Laxmi Khanolkar
With the vision of creating innovative, educational, and engaging mobile games, Laxmi is a vocal advocate for diversity in gaming, championing the representation of women and underrepresented groups.
We are proud to be join forces with some of the leading organizations that are committed to empowering women in gaming and technology. Together, we strive to create a more inclusive and diverse gaming community.
our findings
A new report by All India Game Developers Forum (AIGDF), Coral Recruit, and M-League examines the gender disparity in gaming, with women holding just 6-9% of tech roles, under 10% in decision-making positions
Mabel Addis Women In Games
Get Involved
Volunteer Program
Join us as a volunteer to help create an empowering environment for all participants.
Sponsorship Opportunities
Become a sponsor and showcase your support for women in gaming. Enjoy brand visibility, speaking opportunities, and engagement with our diverse audience.
Mentorship Program
Support aspiring female game developers by signing up as a mentor or mentee
Share Your Story
We encourage women in gaming to share their personal stories of challenges, growth, and success.
Events
Join the
Conversation
Follow us on social media and use
#WomenInGamesMonth to be part of the movement
