Unleash the Power: Dames 4 Games Revolutionizes Women’s History Month

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Starting off with Women’s History Month this coming March 5th, I’m excited to share about an event called “Dames 4 Games“, where we’ll be spotlighting women and individuals identifying within the gender spectrum in the gaming industry. This special showcase will feature a series of mini-TED Talks, each highlighting thrilling projects making waves in our community. I can’t wait to learn from these inspiring figures!

Beyond merely expressing her commitment through words, Destinee Cleveland, founder of Dames 4 Games, has proven her dedication by serving as the main writer for the latest “Monster High: Skulltimate Secrets”, a game specifically designed for young female gamers. In an interview with Game Rant, Cleveland shared insights about Dames 4 Games’ objectives and hinted at what fans can anticipate during their upcoming presentation.

What Dames 4 Games is All About

At Dames 4 Games, you’ll find a collection of brief, two-minute speeches by professionals within the gaming industry. They discuss their experiences, passion for gaming, or any other relevant topic related to the event. Cleveland finds this format reminiscent of mini TED Talks, as if one speaker fails to capture your interest, there are numerous others waiting to share their insights.

In our platform, we make sure everyone gets their chance to shine and express themselves genuinely, which I believe is crucial. Many underrepresented groups might concur with me when they express that the challenge lies in not being listened to, acknowledged, or valued for their feelings. This is the atmosphere I aim to create on our showcase – one where people feel respected, seen, and provided an opportunity to share the remarkable work they’re doing in their respective industries.

Previously on “Dames 4 Games,” the spotlight shone on Sam Béart, the voice behind Baldur’s Gate 3’s character Karlach. Being a diehard fan of Karlach, Cleveland managed to persuade Béart to participate in a “Dames 4 Games” showcase following their encounter at an event. After their initial meeting, Béart shared that Cleveland’s enthusiastic fangirling was exactly the response she expected.

On March 5th, one of the individuals spotlighted by Dames 4 Games is Colleen Larson, Naughty Dog’s senior character artist. During her segment, she’ll share her journey from dreaming about working in the industry to actually doing it at a studio like Naughty Dog, known for creating games such as “Intergalactic” and “The Last of Us.” The event will include approximately a dozen other developers, each presenting their own segments that span a variety of themes, including gentle titles, narrative-driven games, and more intense ones. These offerings cater to a diverse range of gaming preferences. Additionally, Dames 4 Games plans to host another showcase this summer, with additional talks and studio segments.

The Long Road to Dames 4 Games

She pointed out that the industry now boasts a greater variety compared to its past state. Despite still having significant strides to make and dealing with some intense growing pains, Cleveland expresses hope for the future of gaming, not just for women, but also for various underrepresented groups. This development aligns with what she had hoped to witness when she was younger.

I have a strong passion for inclusivity, diversity, and representation, so I wanted to establish a platform where women and individuals who identify as they/them could express their experiences, receive recognition for their accomplishments, and send a message that our industry welcomes us. If young Destinee were to witness the work of adult Destinee, she might be amazed, thinking something like, “I can’t believe it!

Cleveland made clear that her objectives extend beyond just promoting gender-based representation within Dames 4 Games. Instead, she aspires to see a broader range of cultural groups and various backgrounds represented in the games they produce. She believes that diverse perspectives contribute to more engaging games and finds it crucial for individuals from marginalized communities to be part of the creative process.

A game like “Forspoken” has been under scrutiny, particularly regarding its main character Frey. Some find the game more impressive than many gamers believe, and Cleveland agrees with this to some extent. However, it’s worth noting that the game’s negative reception might be intensified by the fact that Frey is a Black woman. Yet, she also acknowledges criticisms from within the Black community concerning Frey’s background.

It seems crucial to note that when creating narratives featuring characters from cultures other than your own, it’s beneficial to have a diverse group of writers who share the same cultural background. This is because there may be backlash, such as what was expressed by the Black community regarding a certain work, due to portrayals that reinforce stereotypes about Black families, specifically in this case, the absent or uninterested father figure. This trope is often found in stories about Black families.

She mentioned that the game, Spider-Man: Miles Morales, steers clear from stereotypes that Forspoken stumbled upon. Furthermore, she expressed excitement about observing how Intergalactic and South of Midnight portray their characters. Regardless, there’s a wave of promising titles coming to Dames 4 Games on March 5 and in the days ahead.

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2025-03-03 18:24