By Derrik J. Lang, Entertainment Writer
LAS VEGAS (AP) --The Academy of Interactive Arts and Sciences wants to empower women to create video games.
The organization unveiled a new initiative Wednesday called WomenIn that seeks to boost gender diversity in the male-dominated gaming industry.
"When I grew up playing games – and I can say this because it's true – games were made by guys for guys," interactive academy president Martin Rae told a crowd gathered for a breakfast meeting kicking off the 15th annual DICE Summit. "We have an entirely different industry today. Everybody plays games."
The Electronic Software Association trade group says about 44 percent of gamers are woman but only about 18 percent of game developers surveyed at last year's Game Developers Conference identified as female.
Rae said the initiative will include sponsoring scholarships and internships, building a mentor database and hosting events at studios for women interested in the gaming industry.
"We're inventing this as we go," Rae said. "We're going to double on stuff that works, and if it doesn't work, we're going to change it."
Don Daglow, president of 4thRing Inc. and the Academy of Interactive Arts and Sciences Foundation, said the key to increasing diversity in the industry is establishing bonds between mentors and mentees.
"What I care about is building connections between human beings who love to build games and who feel, like I do, that they were destined to practice this art form professionally with their lives," Daglow said.
The DICE Summit – which stands for design, innovate, communicate and entertain – is an annual gathering of elite members of the video game industry.
Organizers expect about 700 summit-goers this year to attend talks by such gaming industry veterans as "Metal Gear Solid" creator Hideo Kojima, "Fallout" creative director Todd Howard and "Rise of the Tomb Raider" writer Rhianna Pratchett at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center.
Mike Pierantozzi joins Movers+Shakers as exec creative director
Creative agency Movers+Shakers has appointed Mike Pierantozzi as executive creative director. In this new role, he will help guide the creative direction of Movers+Shakers’ socially-native campaigns. Pierantozzi will report to co-founder and chief creative officer Geoffrey Goldberg.
With nearly two decades of experience as a copywriter, creative director, and multi-platform storyteller, Pierantozzi brings a wealth of knowledge from his work with major brands including Kraft, Unilever, IBM, and Walmart. He has led the creation of award-winning campaigns for agencies like Red Tettemer, Ogilvy, The Brooklyn Brothers, TAXI, Saatchi & Saatchi, and most recently, Vayner, where he spearheaded culturally iconic work for Planters including “Death of Mr. Peanut.” He led the National Down Syndrome Society and Luvs account, whose “First Kid. Second Kid” campaign was awarded by the Effies, ADC, Clios and LIAs.
Outside of the office, Pierantozzi practices what he teaches brands. He’s gone viral multiple times on his own TikTok account, featuring comedic interactions with his son and a trombone. He’s accumulated 15K followers on TikTok.
“Mike brings a rare and awesome combination of deep social and platform experience, a keen eye for excellent storytelling, and a humble and kind approach to leadership,” said Goldberg. “Mike’s got a knack for turning brand stories into cultural movements, making him the perfect fit for Movers+Shakers. He’s got the kind of bold vision and attention to culture that fits perfectly with our mission to push creative boundaries and drive industry firsts. Plus, as a creator himself he has the innate ability to make people stop, laugh, and share--which is exactly what we’re about.”
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