We Are Returns to E3 to Empower a New Generation of Women and Underrepresented Voices in the Video Game Industry

• ESA Foundation and Red Bull’s We Are Booth at E3 2019 to feature talks with prominent figures in video games, live coaching demos, a lounge and more
• Guest Speakers Include Double Fine Vice President Caryl Shaw, Funomena co-founder Robin Hunicke and Film Star and Video Game Voice Actress Janina Gavankar

WASHINGTON – The ESA Foundation and Red Bull will bring We Are, an initiative that empowers women in the video game industry as well as spotlights emerging voices, to E3 2019. We Are will connect people with diverse backgrounds in the industry, educate the community on their impact, and inspire new voices and talent to contribute passionately to video games. 

“We Are is a wonderful way to give voice to women and those who have been underrepresented,” said Anastasia Staten, executive director of the ESA Foundation. “We Are sends the message that everyone is welcome in the video game industry, whether it’s young people launching a career, industry heroes, rising esport athletes or people who simply enjoy video games.

“The ESA Foundation has been absolutely inspired by the stories of these people who have diverse backgrounds and come from all over the country,” continued Staten. “Their participation enhances the development of video games and creates a more dynamic, inclusive community that will continue to do so in decades to come.”

The We Are booth at E3 2019 will feature a variety of activities, panels and special guests, including:

• Inspiration Wall: Attendees can share their own inspirational story or phrase with guests by posting notes on the We Are inspiration wall

• Live Coaching: Attendees can sit down with the renowned XO Academy and get a live coaching session of a popular fighting game at the booth

• Workshops on eSports Health and Performance: Learn how to use the same pillars of healthy movement, healthy environment, healthy nutrition, and healthy mindset that prevent injury to become better gamers, whether as top-tier competitors or as casual players with 1HP.

• Play Video Games: You’re invited to play video games in the We Are arcade, including indie titles Super Crush KO, Astrologaster, Black Room and Plasticity, which were created by diverse teams, along with arcade favorites Pac-Man and Killer Queen

• Photo Booth: Get your picture taken at the We Are photo booth and share your support for We Are on social media by using the hashtag #WeAreVideoGames

• VR Experience: Participate in an interactive VR experience in which attendees can step inside a Community Confessional booth that will provide an artistic and interactive way to embrace vulnerability and self-empowerment in the gaming world

• The Lounge: Come chat with members of the We Are community about We Are, E3 2019 and hear about their experiences in the video game industry. Daily happy hours will be hosted in the lounge featuring Red Bull mocktails.  

We Are Panel Topics (additional topics and schedule TBA):

• Creating Compelling Content

• Creating Local Video Game Communities

• Keep your cool: Using your “Heat Meter” for Esports Health and Performance

• How to Get a Professional Sponsorship as an Esports Player and Content Creator

• Inside Indie Game Development

• Navigating a Career in Games

Special Guests and Panelists Include:

• Hilaree Caldwell, Senior Director at 3BlackDot

• Meghan Camarena, Games Personality and Host

• Anne Edgar, Writer, Director, Partner, Artifact Studios

• Janina Gavankar, Film and Games Actress

• Samantha “Persia” Hancock, XO Academy

• Keisha Howard, Founder of Sugar Gamers

• Erica Hsu, Studio Manager at Giant Squid

• Robin Hunicke, Co-Founder of Funomena

• Matthew Hwu, Physical Therapist and Owner of 1HP Gaming

• Amy Allison, Vice President on the Executive Board, Women in Gaming International

• Naomi Kyle, Games Personality and Actress

• Eilish Lambrechtsen, Producer at Mobius Digital

• Gaylen Malone, General Manager, Cloud9

• Cait McGee, Physical Therapist at 1HP Gaming

• Mobeen Fikree, CEO/Designer/Programmer, Vertex Pop

• Caryl Shaw, Vice President of Development at Double Fine

• Abby Sherlock, Community Team for Tespa

• Mari Takahashi, Co-founder of Smosh Gaming

We Are began as a traveling photo gallery that captured and celebrated the perspectives and contributions of women in the video game industry at 2017 conventions and events and evolved into a multi-year initiative that gives a platform to  all voices in the video game industry. We Are invites all E3 attendees to come explore what makes the video game industry so vibrant and diverse at Booth #633 in the South Hall of the Los Angeles Convention Center.

For more information on We Are, visit WeAreVideoGames.org.

Nathan Stevens

Website | + posts

I have always enjoyed playing video games and am a programming team lead for a video game company. I co-founded Gaming Cypher because I enjoy the gaming community and would like to provide the best news service around. Feel free to ask me any questions and I will make sure to get back to you quickly.

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