Committed to fostering diversity and inclusion in the gaming industry, Zynga Inc., a wholly-owned publishing label of Take-Two Interactive (NASDAQ: TTWO) and a global leader in interactive entertainment, organized ‘Gaming Carnival: Inspiring Inclusion’, an event dedicated to inspiring women to pursue careers in the dynamic and burgeoning gaming industry. Timed in celebration of International Women’s Day, the event offered a unique opportunity to delve into the exciting realm of game design and development, providing inroads into behind the scenes, thus encouraging careers in gaming for women.
The event, held at Zynga’s India Studio in Bengaluru, aimed at educating, promoting, and creating awareness among female students about game development and provided with invaluable insights into the diverse avenues available within the gaming industry, ranging from game development and design to creative writing and marketing.
Poornima Seetharaman, Associate General Manager at Zynga India said “We believe that diversity drives innovation, and empowering women in the gaming industry is not just a responsibility, but an essential need. At Zynga, we’re committed to nurturing an inclusive environment for everyone to contribute their unique perspectives and talents. Our dedication to empowering women extends from our design studios to our boardrooms, and events like Gaming Carnival’s are just one example of our ongoing commitment to diversity and inclusion.”
Around 100 female students from universities like PESIT, Sristi Manipal Institute of Art, Design and Technology, National Institute of Design, NIFT and Asian Institute of Design, participated in interactive workshops, Gaming sessions and Group Discussions and gained valuable insights into various aspects of game development, including coding, art design, storytelling, and project management. Seasoned leaders from Zynga’s diverse team shared their experiences and provided invaluable guidance to aspiring young women for their career paths in the gaming industry. These female students got a firsthand experience of game development.
Bhavna Talwar, Vice President HR of Zynga India said, “Zynga India believes in creating equitable and diverse opportunities for all individuals to pursue their passions. ‘Gaming Carnival’ underscores our collective effort to encourage and empower young girls in pursuit of their gaming aspirations and paving the way for a more inclusive and vibrant future for the industry.”
From mentorship programs to diversity and inclusion training, Zynga is dedicated to creating an environment where all employees can learn, thrive, and succeed.