Empowering Women in the Gaming Industry: A Conversation with Shawne Benson and Laila Shabir

In the latest installment of the Playable Futures Series, Shawne Benson, Global Head of Third Party Portfolio & Acquisitions at Sony Interactive Entertainment, and Laila Shabir, Founder & CEO of Girls Make Games, engage in a thought-provoking conversation with Will Freeman. The discussion delves into the transformation of the gaming industry, highlighting its progress in embracing diverse voices and the benefits that come with it. As they share their experiences, both Shawne and Laila emphasize the importance of empowering women and underrepresented groups to pursue careers in the gaming sector. Shawne reflects on her unconventional path into the industry, while Laila discusses her work with Girls Make Games, an organization dedicated to providing young girls with the opportunity to develop their own interactive ideas. The conversation underscores the value of inclusivity and diversity in shaping the future of the gaming industry. As Laila notes, 'The world needs to hear your ideas,' and Shawne adds that having more women and diverse creators in the industry will ultimately lead to a more thriving and vibrant gaming community. The Playable Futures Podcast is part of a collaborative project with GI.biz, UKIE, and Diva, featuring insights and interviews with global gaming leaders. This episode is available on various podcast platforms, including Spotify, iTunes, and Google Play.