MCV Women In Games Awards return for 2016

After a successful first year, MCV’s Women In Games awards will return this May to recognise and reward the contribution of women to the UK games industry – and this year the event is being supported by the influential Women in Games (WIGJ) body. WIGJ is also sponsoring the Rising Star award category.

The aim of the awards event is to shine the spotlight on the most inspirational and influential professionals in the games business – who just happen to be female.

2016 will see us searching for the Top 30 Women in Games, whilst also introducing six special categories:

Rising Star – This category recognises a leading up-and-coming talent from any sector of the business. The judges expect most nominees to be under 30, but consideration will also be given to women who are new (less than three years) to the industry.

Businesswoman of the Year – An executive who has had a stellar 12 months in terms of driving a company forward and generating significant revenues.

Creative Impact – Recognising talent in games development and design.

Unsung Hero – Honouring the vital support roles in the industry, including QA, community managers, studio managers, PR and HR.

Campaigner – A special award for someone working for or with a games-related charity, or working within a community to use games as a force for change, inclusion, education or improvement.

Outstanding Contribution of the Year – The award will reflect upon the life of someone who has had a lengthy and successful career at the top of the industry, making positive contributions to the commercial success and public profile of the games industry.

The lobbying period for this event is open now and runs until February 17th. Simply email mcvwomen@nbmedia.com with a brief description of why you, a colleague or peer should be considered.

The MCV and Women in Games teams will then work with a specially selected panel of industry professionals to identify the Top 30 Women from the list of nominations, in addition to voting for the six special awards.

We were overwhelmed by the response to last year’s event and have spent some time since then meeting and talking to many of the women who were highlighted last year,” said MCV editor Chris Dring. From their feedback we’re introducing this exciting new format to really shine the spotlight on the plethora of talent across the industry.”

Jenny Richards-Stewart, CEO of Women in Games added: Women in Games (WIGJ) is delighted to be in partnership with MCVfor the Women of the Year Awards. It is really fantastic to see the contribution made to the games industry by women in all disciplines being rewarded in this way.

I am particularly pleased thatWomen in Gamesis sponsoring the Rising Star Award which will recognise an up-and-coming young woman working in our industry. This year’s event is, as always, a great opportunity for all women working in the games industry to socialise and network.”

Women in Games (WIGJ) was established in 2011 as a ‘not for profit’ organisation. It works to recruit, retain and support the progression of women in the games industry by positively and actively promoting female role models and giving encouragement and information to those women seeking to work in games.

The MCV Women In Games event takes place at the Hamyard Hotel, London on Thursday May 19th. Tickets are priced at just 49 and are available by clicking here.

A limited number of sponsorship opportunities are available. Contact Lesley McDiarmid (lmdiarmid@nbmedia.com) or Conor Tallon (ctallon@nbmedia.com) to find out more.