The Tetris Company CEO Maya Rogers Discusses the Need for More Women in the Gaming Industry

Maya Rogers, president and CEO of The Tetris Company, reflects on her journey into the gaming industry, which began when her father, Henk Rogers, brought home an early version of Tetris on the Game Boy in the late 1980s. This sparked a sensation in their household, with family members competing for high scores. Maya initially worked at American Honda after college but later joined Sony Computer Entertainment in Santa Monica to combine her passions for cars and video games. However, her life took a turn when her father suffered a heart attack in 2005, prompting her to join The Tetris Company. Maya is passionate about increasing the number of women in the industry, encouraging young women to follow their passion and not be deterred by perceived lack of qualifications or experience. She notes that women often show up overqualified, while men are more likely to "wing it." Maya has personally experienced sexism in the industry but remains undeterred, recognizing the advantages of standing out as a woman in a male-dominated field. She highlights the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, which have helped increase representation in the workplace. Maya also discusses the therapeutic properties of Tetris, citing research by Professor Emily Holmes, which has shown that the game can help with trauma and PTSD. The Tetris Company is working to make this research more accessible and to explore the potential of video games in mental wellness. Additionally, Maya emphasizes the need to protect copyright and brand legacies, particularly in the context of the creator economy and AI. The company has been constantly reinventing Tetris through games like Tetris Effect and Tetris 99, with video games being the primary licensing opportunity. However, Maya sees opportunities for the brand beyond gaming, such as the recent Tetris movie on Apple TV. She believes that the future of Tetris lies in its ability to evolve and connect with new audiences, with Alexey Pajitnov and Henk Rogers remaining involved in major decisions. The story of Tetris is one of an enduring yet unlikely friendship between Henk and Alexey, who share a common language and passion for games.