Cheat Codes: A Podcast Powered by WIGI
By Women in Games International
Each episode of Cheat Codes features interviews with games industry experts, insights to power listeners to the next level of their careers, and an in-depth understanding of the global tabletop, video game, and esports industries.
New episodes every third Wednesday of the month.
May is for Mental Health: You Are Not Alone
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.
Wicked Saints “World Reborn” Gaming is my Superpower
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 community that celebrates self-belief.
World Reborn Game Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OApQYr0WgxQ
Leveling the Field: GDC Chat on Community and Changing the Game
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 huge thank you to all of our guests featured on this episode: Jessica Flor, Alina Matson, Zoe Curnoe, Tina Merry, Carmen DeMint, Mari Yalong, Emily Bailey, Toni Phillips, Carina Kom, Kate Mitchell, Terry Redfield, Shagufta Khan, Kay Arutyunyan, Jessica Murrey, Lisa Kretshmer, Catherine Barbeau, Carolina Ellis, Nicole Stephan Smith, Kay Chan, Lera Nyukalova, & Becka McIntosh.Follow WIGI on our socials! @getwigiTwitter: https://twitter.com/GETWIGI Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/getwigi/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/getWIGI/Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/getwigiAbout WIGI: Women in Games International (WIGI) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit with a mission to cultivate resources to advance economic equality and normalize diversity in the global games industry. Through knowledge sharing, access to technology, professional development workshops, and mentorship programs, WIGI works to normalize women, femme-identifying, and nonbinary professionals in the gaming industry by eliminating barriers and increasing access and opportunities for all.
Breaking the Code of Community: From URL to IRL
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, collaborations, and career growth.
Level Up! Celebrating 20 Years of WIGI
Community Matters
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 need for funding and visibility for women developers. They also touch on the significance of angel investing in promoting diversity in gaming and express hope for a future where women are more represented in the industry.
Resources:
https://www.womenledgames.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/charmaine-duff-35b153178/
Boss Battles and Side Quests
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 to level up your career, even when the odds are stacked against you.
Troll Be Gone
Join our host, Tash and Rachel Vrabec, CEO of Kanary, as they discuss challenges of being safe online.
Show resources:
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.
The Call is Coming from Inside of the House
Who Runs the World?
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:
Are you a leader?
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:
Can We Build It? Fear and AI
Can We Build It? Representation in Gaming
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 episode features Madeline Di Nonno, president and CEO of the Geena Davis Institute on Gender in Media. We discuss why representation in video games matters and how you can help.
Site mentioned in the show:
https://www.linkedin.com/company/geena-davis-institute-on-gender-in-media/
Can we build it? Increasing accessibility in gaming
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/
Five Cheat Codes to Get Over a Hump
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.
The Healthy Gamer Pt. 3
Neurodivergent brains in the gaming space
Identity in the Gaming Space [Episode 26]
How can we advocate for LGBTQIA+ representation and safe spaces?
The Healthy Gamer Pt 2 [Episode 25]
In this episode of Cheat Codes, we are joined by the Head of Talent Acquisition at thatgamecompany, Christine Chua, to discuss how to navigate through the positive and negative discourse on social media and the internet as a whole.
The Healthy Gamer Pt 1 [Episode 24]
In this episode of Cheat Codes, we will be navigating parasocial relationships in the gaming space with guest MamaTamago and host TaSh.
![Storytelling in the Gaming Space Pt 3 [Episode 23]](https://d3t3ozftmdmh3i.cloudfront.net/production/podcast_uploaded_nologo/15761322/15761322-1642509691756-db023e651049d.jpg)
Storytelling in the Gaming Space Pt 3 [Episode 23]
Let's take a deep dive into narrative design with guest Kate Welch and host TaSh.
Cheat Codes: Storytelling in the Gaming Space Pt 2 [Episode 22]
In this episode of Cheat Codes, the second part of last month's episode "Storytelling in the Gaming Space", another important question arises, what is the first step in designing interactive stories? This topic is covered with guest speaker Athena Peters and host TaSh.
Cheat Codes: Storytelling in the Gaming Space Pt 1 [Episode 21]
How do we plant the seed that grows into a videogame? In this Episode of Cheat Codes we discuss this with guest Speaker Pauliina Tornqvist and host TaSh
Cheat Codes: End of Year Special [Episode 20]
In this holiday special , we are joined by of Women In Games International's Communications Manger, Chantelle Ouano, and Senior Production Coordinator, Maxy Linazco, who discuss some of the most impactful episodes of Cheat Codes during 2022, their personal experience with these topics, and a special message from host TaSh.
Cheat Codes: Big Bad Internet [Episode 19]
In this Cheat Codes Episode we chat about the world wide web. It can be a scary place, from Gamer Gate to the bias of AI. Where are we and where are we going? We will be discussing all of this and more with host TaSh and guest Speaker Angelina Montanez UX Designer at UX DesignerUX Designer at ConciergeBot!
Cheat Codes: Thinking Outside The Console Pt. 2 [Episode 18]
In this Cheat Codes Episode we'll be discussing how gaming concepts have changed the landscape of engineering, medicine, and other industries, with host TaSh! Part II
Cheat Codes: Thinking Outside the Console [Episode 17]
In this Cheat Codes Episode we'll be discussing how gaming concepts have changed the landscape of engineering, medicine, and other industries, with host TaSh!
Cheat Codes: Changing The Game [Episode 16]
We’re so excited for our upcoming Cheat Codes episode featuring WIGI board member: Alexander Fernandez (@starveup)! We’ll be discussing actionable allyship and how it makes long term systemic change, with host TaSh
Cheat Codes: Gaming, Arts, and Activism [Episode 15]
On this episode we are joined by Betsy Aoki (Microsoft) and Elisa Camahort Page (ElisaCP Consulting) to discuss the correlation between Gaming, Arts, and Activism, with host TaSh Elzie.
![Cheat Codes: Identity in the Gaming World [Episode 14]](https://d3t3ozftmdmh3i.cloudfront.net/production/podcast_uploaded_nologo400/15761322/15761322-1642509693071-c0c038422718f.jpg)
Cheat Codes: Identity in the Gaming World [Episode 14]
We are joined by The Coalition's technical director, Kate Rayner, to discuss Identity in the Gaming World, in this episode of Cheat Codes with host, TaSh Elzie.
Cheat Codes: Mental Health & Gaming [Episode #13]
We sit down with the Elf of Mental Health, a licensed therapist and adjunct professor, Darshawn Hooker and game's researcher as well as founder and host of "Not Your Mama's Gamer" podcast, Samantha Blackmon, to discuss mental health and gaming in this month's episode of Cheat Codes, with host, TaSh Elzie.
Cheat Codes: Gamer Rights and the Evolution of Online Gaming with TL Taylor
We are joined by Author, Professor, co-founder of AnyKey and all around gaming industry luminary T.L. Taylor to discuss the evolution of online gaming, the rise of online gaming and streaming and the fundamental rights of gamers as the industry evolves!
Cheat Codes: Introducing our new host TaSh!
Introducing our Cheat Codes family to our new host, TaSh!
Cheat Codes: Resolutions for 2022
We sit down with Kim Shatzner from Onward Play to discuss what recruiters are looking for in this new professional climate in 2022. Wondering what companies are looking for? Unsure what to focus on on your resume? Want to keep up with the hiring trends coming up this year?
We have you covered in this information packed episode!
Cheat Codes: Educating on NFTs & Fintech
Jay and Jelyn from eternal.gg are here today to teach us about NFTs! Check out the first Eternal.gg / Women In Games International NFT pack!
Cheat Codes: Self Advocating Tips and Tricks
Today we are joined by Amanda Solomon, CRO of Women in Games International to talk about how to communicate your boundaries effectively in different social settings.
Cheat Codes: How To Be an Ally
Alexander Fernandez of Streamline Media Group is here to chat about allyship and how to be an ally in the gaming space.
Cheat Codes: Crying is Cool
In this episode Christina Wolfgram, founder of Crying is Cool @ https://cryingiscool.shop/, joins us to talk about setting healthy boundaries with ourselves.
Cheat Codes: Explaining Phenotype
In today’s episode I sat down with Dr. Jenn Noble, a family psychologist specializing in mixed race identity to talk about phenotype, a word everyone should have in their vocabulary. Dr. Jenn works with families to help them understand the importance of mixed race identity, along with living the experience herself.
She shares her expertise on how to understand what it means to be mixed race, how to navigate hard conversations around personal identity vs. phenotype, along with tips on creating a more inclusive environment in corporate settings for the mixed race people in your life.
Cheat Codes: The Benefits of Roleplaying
In today’s episode we sat down with Grace Collins of Snowbright Studios to talk about Role-playing.
Grace started their career in the Department of Education within the gaming space under multiple presidential administrations before founding SnowBright Studios, an LGBTQ+ game studio dedicated to creating unique and heartwarming experiences for people of all ages and backgrounds.
We sat down and talked about the power of role-playing, specifically the ways Table Top RPGs give you room to practice the skills necessary to amplify your career.
Cheat Codes: Your Context is Important
In this episode, we sit down with Dedren Snead, founder of Subsume to talk about how important our context is to our story telling. Learn more about the Subsume Summit at www.subsumesummit.com
Cheat Codes: The Importance of Networking
In this episode, we sit down with Careen Yapp, the Chair of Women in Games International, and Jameelah Bealum, our Vice Chair to bring you the ultimate cheat code in business: Networking. Whether you're moving up in your current career, or looking to transition your skillset to a new one, networking is THE way to break into any industry. Since 80% of gaming industry jobs are unlisted positions, we go over how to network, even if you're an introvert, where to network, along with other tips and tricks on leveling up your gaming career.