What is your role at Mojang Studios?

Head of Engineering, Stockholm, 1.7 years at Mojang, Caucasian Swedish

As the Head of Engineering at Mojang Studios I lead teams that build the internal platform we use to create games and support player experiences

Head of Franchise Player Ecosystem, Redmond, 4 years at Mojang, Chinese American

I am the Head of Franchise Player Ecosystem, one of our key product pillars in the Minecraft franchise I lead teams of talented and passionate people who focus on the areas outside of gameplay to provide a safe and supportive experience for all players, whether it’s your first time or you have been a fan from the very beginning

Senior Concept Artist, Stockholm, 3.5 years at Mojang, Caucasian Brazilian

I am a Senior Concept Artist at Mojang Studios This means I help my teammates visualize ideas and functionalities before we build them in-game

Technical Program Manager, Redmond, 3.5 years at Mojang, Filipino Spanish Chinese American

I’m a Technical Program Manager for the Minecraft Web and Franchise Account teams I often research and investigate new ways to make our experiences at Mojang richer, exciting, helpful, and fun

Graphic Design Lead, Redmond, 1.5 years at Mojang, Caucasian American

I’m the Graphic Design Lead here at Mojang I help guide visual development across all marketing materials, web design, print, internal team documents, and more

Annie Chenn Tia Dalupan-Wong

I often think about how different I am, whether it’s because of my age, race, appearance, or socio-economic class Here at Mojang, however, everyone I work with is incredibly welcoming, professional, and inclusive, and that’s what’s made it easy for me to focus on the work and not feel like I’m the odd one out. It’s inspiring to have people like me, women of color represented in tech and gaming, especially because I never thought I’d be in gaming in the first place.

I am passionate about bringing diverse viewpoints and representation to the gaming industry When I first started, I was often the lone female and person of color in the room Over the years, I have continued to help pave the way and bring voices forward along with all the other amazing women in the industry. Mojang is one of those studios that has been a huge supporter of this as it is critical to our culture, something I’m always very proud to share.

The gaming industry overall is male dominated. Were there any experiences you faced along the way? Moments of discrimination?

Annie Chenn Tia Dalupan-Wong

I tend to think of my otherness often, so I’ve had moments where I’ve felt out of place, in some cases. This usually happens when I’m the youngest person in the meeting by many years, the only woman, and a person of color. I am lucky to say I haven’t felt a moment of discrimination in this field, but it’s something I find myself nervous about occurring I try to not focus on the people, but the work at hand

The first five years of my career there were not many female leaders or people who looked like me. It was intimidating to be the only woman and there were many times I felt invisible or just not heard when someone spoke over me. However, there were a few mentors I was able to turn to, both male and female, and to this day, I am grateful they were there to lend an ear, offer encouragement, and perhaps even more important, open up space for me to shine when I didn’t have the leverage to do it or was uncertain about my own capabilities

What is your experience being a woman in the gaming industry today? What makes Mojang Studios so special?

Åsa Bredin Mariana Salimena

At Mojang Studios, we ’ re a very diverse leadership team with more women than men in the leadership team I don’t think about gender balance any longer as I’m very rarely the only woman.

Mojang is one of the studios with the highest presence of women, which makes it delightful! Sometimes I find myself in a work discussion or a meeting room filled with women. It brings me so much joy, and it feels comfortable and safe. We really have a support network here.

Meagan Dumford

Annie Chenn

Tia Dalupan-Wong

I respect Mojang in this space so much because there are many women here. We are in a variety of roles, management levels, fields of work, and most important, in leadership roles. Mojang makes the effort to build diverse teams and invest in programs that support women and help kids learn about game development It’s beautiful how those teams bring diversity into the products they make, then those products demonstrate how representation is both important and powerful

Being a woman in the gaming industry today, especially at Mojang Studios, is a rewarding and empowering experience. I have the opportunity to work with talented and diverse teams and get to challenge myself Mojang Studios is so special because it values creativity, collaboration, and fun I feel supported and respected by my colleagues and managers, and I enjoy the culture and passion that drives our work.

Mojang is the first studio of this scale and impact that is led predominantly by women. It’s frankly quite special. We also have a great balance of women in general at the studio compared to a lot of other studios, and this is something we ’ re particularly proud of I’m excited when women newer to their career reach out to tell me that representation matters to them and that they’re inspired to see female leaders as something they can also aspire to.

How has the industry changed for women?

Åsa Bredin

I see a lot more female role models and also a lot of communities for women working in gaming Still, I see women underrepresented in engineering within gaming so even with growing numbers there is more work to do

Annie Chenn

The industry has changed a lot I’m proud that the women entering the industry today are more empowered to speak their minds. Being a woman in this industry is something to be celebrated.

Tia Dalupan-Wong

I’m blessed to be working at a time where diversity is improving and it’s incredibly inspiring for me to participate and have the opportunity to grow this type of inclusion in my teams This is part of the reason why I wanted to be part of this conversation here because environments like this only improve the more we talk about the impact it has on everyone

What advice would you give to a young woman considering entering the gaming industry or just starting out in it?

Åsa Bredin

Tia Dalupan-Wong

Keep your balance, but don’t hold back. If you dream or think you can do something, then go for it! And if you can balance doing your best and taking care of yourself along the way, then you can do it. No one can stop you but you.

Annie Chenn

Build your network both internally and externally so you have people to turn to for advice and career opportunities. Take the chance to join an incredibly creative and fun industry. Remember that most people are just figuring it out and don’t have all the answers, even the confident ones! Always believe in yourself and your ideas. Lastly, reach out for help and mentorship people are always willing to help.

Mariana Salimena

Go for it we need you here! There are so many unique things that only you can think of! Count on other women to help you along the way We exist here, we are not going anywhere, and we help each other Don't accept any situations that make you uncomfortable, speak up, and make change happen

Meagan Dumford

Find your passion and pursue it! There is a place for you in the gaming industry Don’t let anyone tell you that you don’t belong or can’t do something Stand up for yourself and your ideas, don’t be afraid to speak your mind, and be confident in your skills and abilities while also being open to learning new things and improving yourself Find your community of people who share experiences, advice, and encouragement. I wouldn’t be anywhere where I am today without all the people who have supported me along the way. And lastly, have fun! Gaming is supposed to be enjoyable and rewarding, so don’t let the challenges discourage you from pursuing your dreams.