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Are you interested in getting started in the gaming industry?
Video games have been around since the 70’s– and with ever-changing technological advancements, building a career in the gaming industry opens doors to endless possibilities.
Join this chat with Riot Games’ Nikki...
Are you interested in getting started in the gaming industry?
Video games have been around since the 70’s– and with ever-changing technological advancements, building a career in the gaming industry opens doors to endless possibilities.
Join this chat with Riot Games’ Nikki Lewis (Global Head of Game Marketing) and Preeti Khanolkar (Lead Producer for VALORANT) as they’ll dive deeper into the current landscape of the gaming industry and how they and others like them are paving the way for the next generation of women in this industry!
In this chat, we’ll talk about:
Nicole “Nikki” Lewis is an entertainment marketing executive with over 16 years’ experience convincing middle schoolers around the world to play her games and not the other guys’ games. Currently, Nikki leads marketing for the Action category at Riot Games, which includes titles such as VALORANT and Project L. Prior to that, Nikki led marketing for the League of Legends franchise.
In past lives, Nikki led and contributed to strategy & go to market excellence for major video game properties including Quake, Wolfenstein, Dance Central, Rock Band, L.A. Noire, Unreal Engine, Unreal Tournament & Fortnite.
Nikki is a Harlem, NYC native who received her MBA from the UCLA Anderson School of Management, and her undergraduate degree from Wesleyan University. In her spare time, she plays a lot of Civ 6; entertains the toddlers of others; and writes pulpy as-yet-unpublished science fiction.
Preeti is currently the lead producer for VALORANT's in-game monetization initiative, where she oversees all the cosmetic content and systems that support player expression and customization.
Before joining the video game industry, Preeti graduated from Cornell Law School and practiced law for the federal government in Washington, D.C.
She also wrote an award-winning undergraduate thesis paper on the social aspects of video gaming, which she published in a peer-reviewed academic journal.
How do you leverage your existing network to find opportunities?
A bit personal, but I was an artist pursuing a career in the gaming industry. It was difficult to get my foot in for many years and have since moved onto teaching game design/game art as an...
Do you think riot games has done a good job holding ppl accountable?
Many women, like myself, did not have access to the standard education route, so dream companies can seem impossible to reach. If we do not have the "desired 4+ years of experience" or specific...
I'm just happy to watch, congratulations =)
What made you guys interested/inspired to work in the gaming industry?
Are there any unique/overlooked skills (i.e., things not as pertinent in other industries) that aid in working in gaming?
How do you feel the rise of women gamers has affected the gaming industry in the recent years?
With a growing number of female gamers, is it important to provide more content appealing to female gamers or make current content more inclusive to the female demographics?
What are some key elements you consider when you devise an in-game monetization strategy?
What are ways to find what you want to do in your industry? I'm interested in a lot of parts of business but it's hard to try them all to see what you like best.
were there any obstacles that you came across as a women from getting the position you have now? if so how did you over come it?
What are your advice for students in college trying to pursue a career in the gaming industry? What do I need to do and how do I improve myself for my resume to standout to the recruiters and HRs?
Does Riot Games have a 'Women of Riot' Employee Resource Group (ERG)? If so, what have you found to be the biggest benefit?
What advice do you have for aspiring gamers enrolled in high school?
What is it like being a woman in a hiring position for a gaming company? What are some tips for establishing your place in the industry?
What opportunities in the gaming industry exist for folks who have degrees other than tech? (e.g., health care, social services, etc)?
Advice on getting into the gaming industry. Where does it begin? What kind of roles / positions are in the gaming industry and what are the responsibilities that follow?
What are the ways in which VALORANT was able to attract a large non-male player base and how can the gaming industry as a whole move in a similar direction of inclusivity?
How do you get a foot in the door when you have only your love of gaming and no previous gaming experience?
Does language skill create opportunity to be more competitive to getting a leg in?
Reflecting on your college experience, what choices did you make then to influence where you are now such as leadership/clubs/university involvement, and how do those choices effect you today?
Which basic knowledge you must have to get at the gaming industry?
What tech stack is required for job in gaming
Is it necessary to be a gamer to get into gaming industry
what tech experience is required for the gaming industry
How often do you see breakthrough of writers from other fields into gaming? It's difficult to find entry level positions for writers. What are some reliable paths to a writing career for games at Riot?
efect of blockchain on the gaming industry
How is Valorant monetized? Is there a specific team that is in charge of every agent's cultural background?
How can someone start a career in the gaming industry?
What is Riot Games implementing for individuals who have disabilities? Are there accessibility roles?
What made you chose the video game industry and how did you prepare for the job interview?
Will you be recording this session / will we be able to watch this on demand? Thanks
Where did your journey in gaming start?
Could you provide some tips on how a recent graduate can start her career in the gaming industry, esp. when it comes to game testing or gaming-related content creation? Also, do you think there is...
I am a women working at an esports industry in Indonesia. Sexual harrasment in a professional esports environment is becoming a serious issue in my country. There is no legal protection that the...
what is the work-life balance like in the gaming industry, especially as a woman? is there a different expectation for woman than there is for men?
What makes Riot a special place to work?
What advice would you give to fresh out of college undergraduates looking to enter the gaming industry with little to no experience?
What are the actions, IRL and on social media such as LinkedIn, that we can take to support women in games and how do we make people realise that inequalities in the video games industry indeed exist?
When looking at job requirements, are the requirements usually very strict? Or is there some flexibility concerning skills you may lack? Does everyone go through a learning curve on a new job,...
Hey Preeti, How was the journey from Law to lead producer in Riot?
What is Riot's perspective of remote work beyond the pandemic?
How can I apply for a internship in Riot Games as a data-science student ? What is the process of interviews ?
How and where can I apply for internships in Riot to get more experience as a digital marketing major?
What advice can you give to someone transitioning to the events industry to the production industry?
Preeti - I see you graduated from Law and worked in the industry before transitioning into video games production. What was the process of you making the leap into the role - i.e. was there...
Do you see an improvement with acceptance and inclusion of women in gaming?
What are some career directions advice you would give for someone just enter the game design field?
What would you suggest for women from different professions but working as a freelancer in the game industry for a long time and willing to take part within a good team/company as a designer &...
What is the process of transitioning or entering into the gaming industry? I have an events production background and have been trying to get into game industry for the longest time.
Do you have to be a typical "gamer" to get into the gaming industry?
How would a consulting background fit into the game industry?
How should inexperienced young graduates pivot their way into gaming industry with prior experience in traditional industry?
What kind of measures are Riot (or Gaming/Esports industries in general) taking to prevent sexual misconduct within the company, but also in their product (Esports teams, players, etc). Are you...
I am currently graduating my UX bootcamp and would like to get into the gaming industry. What would UX design look like within the industry? Are there any roles/job titles I should look up to get...
Would making indie games on platforms like itch.io count as qualifications for jobs in the gaming industry? Would that count towards "professional experience in game design" when it comes to those jobs?
What are some good ways to continue learning and expanding your skill sets, especially as a woman just coming into the gaming industry?
What was the biggest hurdle or roadblock that you had to overcome to be a powerhouse in this industry?
Are there any volunteer/internship opportunities for high school students interested in getting into the industry to take part in?
What would you say is the most valued skill, character trait, and work experience in your respective departments?
What are good ways to look for entry level positions with gaming/esports companies, particularly in data analytics?
How much experience would you need to obtain a non-technical role in the gaming industry, especially a client facing role such as Customer/Client Success or Account management?
What advice would you give to a young, woman of color, about to graduate college and wanting to make their way into the gaming industry?
What are your tips for women who are already in their careers but want to pivot to gaming? And what are your biggest tips for women to get hired at studios the size of Riot? How can we...
How are you advocating for women Esport athletes and gamers to have safe space and have equal value/respect as male Esport athletes and gamers?
I'm a PR junior at San Jose State University and hoping to work in the gaming industry soon! As many of us apply for applications, what is the most important thing to do in order to stand out from...
Best way to get into the gaming industry
How to overcome imposter syndrome in an industry dominated by men? How to cultivate a welcoming environment for the minority in the gaming industry?
I'm someone who went back to school during the pandemic to finish my bachelor's in Design and UX as I began to feel incomplete, and changing a career is incredibly difficult. Do you have any...
How would you describe the black experience at Riot?
I just want to start by saying that Riot's marketing game is strong. With that said, what are some metrics that you look at when planning a market strategy? I'm coming from a research/ data...
Can you talk about the steps Riot is taking to create a more inclusive environment for women in gaming, both behind the scenes and as active players?
Do you feel that things have changed for women in the gaming industry and how do you see the future for women in games (whether that be in representation, gender dynamics in the workplace, salary...
Are there currently any open marketing roles based in CA? What's it like being a woman working in the gaming industry and do you believe things are changing progressively?
What is the implication that women have on the gaming world?
How to build your gaming network?
What are some of the career options a computer science student might be able to get in the gaming industry?
What is the most important skill to work for a company like Riot?
How can I get a start into the gaming industry with little experience, other than playing games myself?
How do you view the concept of Web3 and do you think it will have an influence within the gaming and esports sector?
how can we improve ourself for work at Riot Games?
I will go to college in the fall as a business student. I love eSports (a Diamond Volarant player) and dream about starting my own eSports business one day. Do you have some suggestions on...
What are your thoughts on the direction of the gaming industry and its approach to diversity and inclusion?
Many video game genre's audiences currently lean towards one gender or another (e.g. Shooters are male dominated, match-3 is female dominated). How do you see us minimizing this gap between...
Representation of women in video games is at various stages of equity globally (looking at the criticism of Korean MMORPG, Lost Ark earlier this year). How can companies lead the charge in...
How can I break into the gaming industry?
What do you think are the most important company values & cultural shift needed to create an inclusive workplace in the gaming industry?
I struggle with self confidence as a woman in a male dominated field. It discourages me from applying to game related fields, so I'd like to hear some advice about how to overcome my fears.
How hard is it to fight for different representation inside the industry?
What barriers have you personally faced as a woman in the industry and how have you dealt with them (if you're comfortable sharing)?
Hello, I am a graphic design student! When applying for art internships (such as illustration in my case), a portfolio is always required to submit (I just have sketchbooks). I have been told that...
As an area that's heavily dominated by men, how do women like us make a difference? Also, is it possible to be able to enter a position even just as a fresh graduate?
How important do you think networking is in order to get into the gaming industry?
I'm a graphic designer in the elearning industry. I'd like to learn game development so I might create learning games or games for a younger audience. I currently am using free resources online to...
Is it hard to enter the industry as a woman ?
When applying to Riot, what are they looking for during interviews/ on the resume? Can people get a position there right out of college or is it better to get an entry level job elsewhere and then...
As a male early in their career (still looking to enter this industry), how can I find meaningful ways to champion the advancement of women without having the authority to integrate systemic...
How do we get more Black people involved in Video Game Development?
How would someone with experience in a different industry pivot into gaming?
What is your biggest piece of advice for someone interested in entering the gaming industry?
I believe in equal opportunity, regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, religion, etc. As a male, what can I do to aid in uplifting women in gaming?
How do I break into the industry as an illustrator? It feels like I'll never be good enough experience-wise or portfolio-wise.
How do you deal with an industry mainly dominated by men?
What are all the different jobs in the gaming industry? I'm really interested to pursue a career in gaming but I'm not sure what is suitable for me.
Any tips for what one should be doing when just starting college to get into the gaming industry?
How can we overcome impostor's syndrome?
How did you two end up on the Valorant team (rather the other teams at Riot like TFT)? What aspects do you like and what would you like to change in the Valorant community?
How do you give visibility/exposure to women in this industry?
How to enter the market of Game Design? If you are already into a career for some years.With study and practial game design into personal projects, is there a way to migrate to Game Design,...
I’ve been playing games since I was a kid and have been writing for years. But game writing was never something that I ever realized was a job (I know- wild!). Now I’m trying to tailor my writing...
How should we, if at all, tailor our portfolios and resumes to the game industry? For reference, I work in UX/UI. As far as I know, UX/UI is not so different in tech than it is in games, but I...
Does Riot currently have any female game designers? Or designers of color? Many companies have diversity statements on their websites, yet still mainly hire white men. Research shows that people...
I'd love to se more women in esport! Do you think positive discrimination is a need for woman to have more visibility in this field ? (In order to make it look common in 10 years or so)
I am a student and aspiring to be an illustrator or concept artist in game studio one day, what should I do?
Is there any plan to empower women in cimpetitive e-sports?
For a gaming enthusiast with a background in teaching, is there a way to obtain a career the gaming industry?
My 6 years old daughter loves games, how can I support her if she wanted a career in gaming.
How to go about finding opportunities in the gaming industry after law school?
What good habits and skills should we develop if we are interested in entering the production field, especially if we are pivoting from a different career field?
What opportunities are there for program managers?
With the events industry being female dominate and eSports a male dominate industry, what are the best traits of both industries with the expectation from LoL Worlds Lan tourney's to upcoming...
How do you deal with sexism in the gaming industry, if applicable?
How do we get started with no experience in video game industry?
Is attendance important for this item?
I'm a graduate student studying French Literature, but I'm an avid gamer, and love playing league of legends. Where should one start when looking to get into the gaming industry in general, or in...
How do you see the industry changing over the next five years?
For young women in their early software engineering/development career, do you have any tips to step into a career in gaming, whether it be at Riot Games or just in general?
How can you use a general IT Support background to get into this field?
how can we start? i'll been trying to get in to this industry, but it's to hard
What is the most challenging part about being a woman in a male-dominated industry?
What about the careers in localization- translation specifically in Greece?
I've gathered from research and other talks that certain roles in the gaming industry (such as Writers or level designers) are normally filled through internal hires. There's two parts to my...
How does one get involved with accessibility within gaming?
I'm interested in going into finance in the gaming industry, what would that look like for me if I were to do so?
What are the legal boundaries for creating a video game?
I recently finished my university degree in East Asian Studies; my graduation project was about cultural differences in eSports between South Korea and Europe and how the gaming and eSports...
I'm studying art and focusing on visual development for my career path. Does Riot Games have this in house or it's more out source for the art? Do you have any advice on how to have a good...
As an avid gamer I would like to get into the space since it is a passion of mine. How would you advise someone who has public relations/marketing experience transition between industries? Are...
How did you start you career in the gaming industry? What advice would you give to college students who are thinking of pursuing this career path?
WOC in gaming is growing in significant interest. How do you both see this shift further into the industry in terms of job opportunities and also in the influencing space?
I've been in the gaming industry since 2007 and have been watching the industry transform - would love to listen in on the plans for the future as more strong women join the industry!
I'm a student learning architecture with some modeling and environment design skills. But I'm very interested in the game industry and want to enter it. Maybe environment artists or level artists...
Is there a big difference in the approach / attitude towards monetisation channels between women and men? And if so, how does it play out in practice?
I’m currently a marketing manager in the tech field but have had trouble trying to break into the gaming sector. Any advice on switching tracks with my transferable marketing skills?
What has the been the most fun part about working in the gaming industry? I'm an avid gamer and dream to work in the gaming industry one day :)
Have you ever experienced imposter syndrome? If so, how do you motivate yourself?
I'm an undergraduate studying English and I don't have any experience with the gaming industry, but I'm very interested in learning about it. What would you suggest are the most effective ways to...
No questions from me! Definitely want to ensure space centers questions from women and non-binary folks :)
No specific question, just want to hear the speaker!
What advise do you have for someone looking to transition into the gaming/tech industry from a different industry?
What have been the most transformative lessons you’ve learned working in production that have lead you to be a better producer and ally in the workplace?
I'm due to start university this September studying game art and animation as a mature student. Is there a disadvantage of older graduates (30+ years old) compared to younger graduates?
How important are internships for initial employment out of college? Does the company name matter? Are they worth it after graduation, or should I go for an entry level job?
What advise do you have for someone looking to transition into the gaming/tech industry from a different industry?
Can women who don't play games establish a successful career in game development?
How can one join the gaming industry with no prior experience in a professional setting
What are the benefits of outsourcing, if any, in the industry.
I’m a college graduate with little experience in the gaming industry. I am very interested in gaming and graphic design, but I’m not sure how to improve my portfolio. What do hiring managers in...
What areas are growing more in the gaming industry and because of that having more job opportunities?
What were some of the biggest hurdles in marketing moving to subscription and seasons and continuous rollouts?
How did you get your foot in the door within the industry?
What advice would you give an experienced backend programmer who wishes to shift into the gaming industry?
What adversities have you experienced because of your gender? Do you think you are taken seriously now? and any advice to the females in the industry who are seen as a joke or diversity hire?
What's your best advice to someone with no gaming experience to kickstart a career in gaming?
What experience highlights, key attributes, and skills do you look for while reviewing resumes?
What recommendation would you give someone with marketing experience trying to transition their career into the gaming industry?
Is it possible to start as a concept artist in the mobile game industry and enter computer game companies?
In what ways to you think Video Games can change the world and the problems we are facing and what are the biggest challenges you've faced going into the gaming industry
Do I have to play games in order to kickstart a career in gaming?
What are the best parts and worse parts of your current job?
Do you have any advice for someone who is looking to transition into the gaming industry?
How does someone who doesn't have a degree in tech or numbers get involved in the gaming field? For instance, I have a BA in Justice, but didn't realize my dream was to work for companies like...
Do you think you have to be good at games in order to be in the industry?
What skills should women develop to improve their chances of being hired if they have no previous experience? Are there any resources you recommend to develop these skills?
As a male, what is the best way to ensure that all my female counterparts feel uplifted in a relatively male dominated space?
What advice do you have for recent graduates who have little experience in the field but have great interest in entering the gaming industry?
How do you get started in the gaming industry with limited tech background?
What is the tip for a woman to start working in a game company and create a career in this area where there is no incentive? I'm from Brazil and I feel this is a bit of a sparse area here.
What has been your experience in a male dominated work environment? Did this sway a lot of your peers from pursuing an opportunity in gaming?
No questions yet thank you!
Can a woman with no experience in the game industry has the same chance as a man with the same profile to get in?
What are all the different paths to effectively pursue game production? I've heard that some people start with QA, but I'm not entirely sure if that is the direction I want to go towards.
How does one get started on this career path if I am coming from a marketing and content writing career in the Philippines? Do I have to migrate just to gain access to video game writing and video...
Question for Pretti, what are some qualities should every game producer have? What makes a good game producer? Also, did graduating from Cornell Law School and practicing law helped your game...
Do you feel as though Riot Games has made a significant impact on bringing women and under represented groups to the forefront of video games? Do you think a young girl would be able to see...
Is it possible for tradition sales professionals to shift to sales domain in gaming? What are the required skills for pivoting into gaming business?
What is the best piece of advice you can give to a woman who is job hunting and trying to get into a role in marketing in the video game industry?
What is your favorite part of your job (overall and day-to-day)?
What would you recommend steps to take for a person trying to join the gaming industry?
Do you find that working in the gaming industry makes you less excited to play games in your free time?
How do I get started as a non-tech major? And how do I get started in a country where gaming isn't at its peak in terms of opportunities?
How do you suggest a female to get into the gaming industry with no previous industry?
Could you provide some valuable insight on what it's like being a female working in the gaming industry? Also, did you study a different field before working in the industry?
What strategies have you found to be most effective when advocating for yourself or other women in the industry?
How do you suggest women stand out in the predominantly male video game industry?
How do we transition from other industries into gaming? ( from research in the humanities for example)
What are some ways other women or allies have shown up for you as you've navigated the gaming industry?
Do you find there is still a negative stigma around and their knowledge about gaming or ability to contribute to the industry especially as it relates to hiring process? How can we best be heard...
Hi, I would love to know about your personal journey and/or transition into gaming.
How has your identity as a woman affect your journey/experiences in the game industry?
Hi! I would like to know what is your opinion about women in video games in the Latin market
I've heard the gaming industry can mean a lot of hours and tough deadlines, is there truth to that?
What entry level opportunities are available
Why do enjoy working at Riot Games? What is your motivation? Thanks
Is there a need for UX, UI, or Product designers within the gaming community?
If you've applied to several places for game art but not gotten in, do you suggest working on your portfolio and taking a non art related job in the meantime for money, or working at a less...
Do you have to have played video games for a long time to work in the industry?
what are the various portal that hires a for these jobs and their authenticity
How to join the gaming industry from a non-tech backgroung?
What is the general starting position for most who enter into gaming??
Are there any roles you would recommend for someone looking to make a pivot into a gaming industry that focus a bit more on transfers able skills versus skills like coding or art?
What are the major skills needed to land your first game designer role?
Does more money go to pay the designer or the tech company owning the apps?
Who are the top female leaders in the gaming industry?
is this for all ages/
None that i can think of
No questions, just plan to listen ☺️
Generally what qualifications do you look for in this field? Is a specific degree required or is general education like a High School diploma/ GED sufficient?
What are the resources to study to refresh knowledge of current game industry trends to get back to the game industry after a long break?
Do you have any recommended resources on how to build a technical writing portfolio?
No questions right now
Can you work remotely or do you need to live in a certain part of the country?
What special skills are needed to be in the gaming industry?
When making a career change into gaming/children’s gaming, how can I leverage my experience in childcare but also highlight my transferable skills to be able to be successful in the gaming world? ...
What is Riot doing to bring in more diverse women talent and support women once they're there?
How do I leverage my career gap skills to enter the gaming industry!
Is there a big freelance community for gaming
What tips do you have for a UX Designer who wants to get into gaming?
What tips do you have for people with no college degrees on how to work their way into the gaming industry?
Can you provide any examples of entry level jobs in the gaming industry?
Any programs or camps you suggest for HS students interested in gaming and character development via animation?
Are there opportunities to work remotely in the gaming industry?
When creating and promoting a game with a diverse audience in mind (not only to women, but also to non-binary), what steps do you take to ensure your inclusivity is perceived as genuine rather...
How can you earn money from your hobby? While playing video games.
How would you suggest someone lots of coding experience but no published game titles break into the industry? Most everywhere I see always wants at least one game title published.
How can a recent college/bootcamp graduate get started in the gaming industry? Are there tips you would recommend even prior to graduating?
Are there ways to move into gaming with UX Research skills?
Is there a specific question you have for the speaker? Let us know!