Swedish Methods for Gender Equality Driving Change in the Games Industry
Jenny Brusk and Vania Castagnino.
At the world's largest game conference, Game Developers Conference (GDC) in San Francisco, a Swedish initiative will take center stage. Jenny Brusk and Vania Castagnino from Sweden Game Arena will address the pressing issue of gender equality and diversity in the games industry.
“We’re proud to represent Sweden at such a prestigious event. The results from our project show that it’s possible to break norms and make a real difference,” says Jenny Brusk, Project Manager and Founder of DONNA.
The GDC presentation is based on the outcomes of the All In project, which focused on developing methods and tools to inspire more women, non-binary, and trans people to start game companies.
During prime time, Jenny and Vania will highlight the barriers that women, non-binary, and trans people encounter, which prevent them from launching their own businesses.
This isn’t Jenny Brusk’s first time on stage at GDC.
“In 2017, I presented the work with DONNA, founded in 2011 to encourage more women to study game development at the University of Skövde. This time, we have the privilege of presenting the All In project at the main conference, showing just how important this topic is for the industry,” Jenny says.
Vania Castagnino and Jenny Brusk.
Major Challenges in the Industry
The All In project, which concluded in the summer of 2024, has already led to the formation of new companies, with more on the way.
“One of the biggest challenges is a lack of self-confidence, often combined with a shortage of role models. It’s hard for women to envision themselves as entrepreneurs. Financial hurdles, such as limited access to capital, also play a major role,” says Jenny Brusk.
Originally from Peru, Vania Castagnino has long worked on equality issues in the games industry. She even co-funded a DONNA equivalent before moving to Sweden.
She believes that creating a sense of safety has been crucial:
“A key to success has been providing safe spaces where participants can ask questions—yes, even the so-called ‘stupid’ ones. What is a limited company? How do you find funding? By offering an inclusive environment where everyone can start from scratch, participants have felt more comfortable and empowered on their entrepreneurial journey.”
Historically, the games industry has grappled with significant sexism and inequality problems. But many changes have begun at GDC. In 2013, a women’s panel at the conference became the starting point for broader efforts toward equality in the industry. All In is just one of many projects that emerged from that momentum.
“GDC serves as an arena where the industry agenda is set. Topics raised there often result in direct changes. We aim to deliver a presentation that’s both enticing and actionable—there’s a real opportunity for us to make a positive impact on the games industry. We’re looking forward to it,” says Jenny Brusk.
GDC will take place from March 17-21 at the Moscone Convention Center in San Francisco.
All In Toolkit
Want to know more about the results from the All In Project? Click here!
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