Reinvented Magazine Issue No. 16

Learn how to make your own desktop arcade on page 51!

VICTORIA TRAN: VICTORIA TRAN:

Success through shenanigans

Plus, hear from industry professionals what it's like to work in game development.

TeamCredits

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Caeley Looney

MARKETING

CMO:

Varija Mehta

Social Media Director:

Anika Garg

Newsletter Manager:

Samhita Mattipalli

Chantelle Faria

Shakaani Nasankar

Shamailah Haque

Anvi Kumar

Ramya Kotagiri

DEVELOPMENT

Development Director:

Palak Mehta

Ankita Sundar

Avantika Samanta

Risha Bhat

Sarasi Rout

Siya Goyal

ISSN: 2770-6672

CREATIVE WRITING

Writing Officer:

Aparna Rajesh

Writing Director:

Miranda Mogan

Onboarding Manager: Madeline Day

Guest Writer Logistics Manager:

Yashvi Patel

Print Writers:

Emily Zakkak

Isabel Powell

JoCee Holladay

Madeline Day

Rachel Lynn Mason

Sophia Tang

Blog Writers:

Andrea Gajic

Hanna Gabrielle Bidon

Seher Allahbachayo

Proofreaders:

Grace Pfohl

Lavanya Sharma

Madeleine Bloomer

GUEST WRITERS

Kim Sheeter

Kiki Prottsman

Christopher de Haan

FINANCE

Finance Manager: Niyati Patel

PUBLISHING

Publishing Officer:

Laura Peckyno

OPERATIONS

COO: Yessenia Lopez

Special Projects Director:

Divya Sharma

One-for-One Program Director:

Kendall Hoes

Volunteer Director:

Shayna Weinstein

Aly Trevino

Sharafa Mohammed

Renee Becker-Blau

VOLUNTEERS

Volunteer Manager: Allison Maurice

Avika Patel

Nithya Parepally

Sindhu Sivasankar

Arcadia Ewell

Brittany McFarland

Madeline Estey

Madeline Chang

CCO:

Niamh Murphy

Magazine Director: Abigail Muth

Branding Director: Megan Jacob

Creative Logistics Manager:

Abhirami Rajesh

Amy Loveless

Anna Below

Daniela Freire

Jolie Miller

Maria Fernanda Sagastume

Reyna Morales

Rimi Chakravarti

Sydney Bowler

ASK GLORIA

Gloria Kimbwala

LETTER From the edItor

Dear Readers,

Happy Fall! It’s been a little while since we last had a magazine arrive on your doorstep, so let’s catch up! At the start of the summer, Reinvented made the difficult decision to switch our print schedule from quarterly to bi-annual. Our team not only has witnessed some significant cost increases associated with printing each new issue but also wanted to ensure that each issue was getting our volunteers’ full attention. So, while you’ll only see Reinvented Magazine in the fall and spring for now, we ’ re excited to bring you more new content than ever before!

Over the summer, while our magazine team was prepping this awesome issue for you, other departments and volunteers worked diligently on our 2023 Teacher Care Packages and Space Gala! We are so excited to be able to bring both of these super fun initiatives back to life this year, and we can’t wait to share their impact data with you!

Enough about us how have you been? We’ve definitely missed you, but I hope that you had an unforgettable summer! Good luck as this new school year starts!

One final reminder for all of you: you ’ re always welcome to reach out! We love hearing from you, and our mailbox is always open! You can mail me, your fave writer, or anyone on our team a letter to our PO box address to the left, and you might even get some exclusive stickers back!

Thank you for continuing to support our small magazine we truly couldn’t run our organization with each and every one of you. We love being able to bring you new content with each new issue and we hope that you love this magazine as much as we do. Keep on being awesome, and as school ramps up, don’t forget to (1) celebrate all of your wins no matter how small and (2) take a break when you need one (not just when it’s convenient).

One-for-One Program

Reinvented Inc. aims to guarantee that everyone has access to our content, including those in low-income or rural areas without easy access to a computer.

Our One-for-One Program ensures that for every one magazine bought, one magazine will be donated to a local library, school, or girls club!

STORYTELLING

IN

GAME

DEVELOPMENT

BY EMILY ZAKKAK

Game development is a deeply nuanced process involving the creativity and passion of many individuals, each with their own unique experiences and perspectives. At its core, game development has the power to unite people through shared experiences, creating connections, and fostering a sense of community.

Imagine being fully immersed in a world where you get to not only witness but actively participate in a story that unfolds around you. With each decision you make, the plot thickens, the characters come to life, and the stakes grow higher. This is the power of storytelling in game development, where players become protagonists, and every choice has consequences.

THE PROCESS

There are two key factors at play when it comes to creating a gripping narrative in game development: the game itself and its intended purpose. Many approach game design from a mechanical perspective, focusing on the character's actions and how they connect internally and externally to bring them to life But in order to truly craft a cohesive story that resonates with players, a deeper dive is often necessary As users interact with the game mechanics and make choices, a narrative emerges organically, built upon those very choices and actions

The best games are the ones that combine immersive storytelling with stunning visuals and intricate game mechanics. The game development process is long and arduous, requiring countless hours of planning, testing, and tweaking to get everything just right. So whether you ' re a fan of fast-paced action or slow-burning narrative, know that the developers behind your favorite games have poured their hearts and souls into creating an experience you'll love. With a little bit of writing magic and a lot of hard work, they've created a world that is just waiting to be explored.

THE CHARACTER

Every great story has characters that come to life on the page, evolving and growing with each turn of the plot From their flaws and challenges to their triumphs and successes, character development is the beating heart of any unforgettable tale

Character design is a fascinating journey that delves deep into the heart and soul of each individual. Every aspect of a character matters, from their role and appearance to their behaviors and actions. To truly bring a character to life, connecting with artists to create concept sketches that capture the essence of their persona can help. Many game writers ultimately want to portray a broad range of characters with diverse traits and backgrounds, highlighting their vulnerability, dignity, and capability to handle whatever comes their way. Relatable and capable characters are the key to an exceptional story, and that's exactly what they strive to create

THE STORY

Great storytelling is the backbone of any successful game, taking players on a journey through captivating worlds and unforgettable characters But what makes a great game story? For some, a story that doesn't delve too deep into the details is ideal, allowing them to focus on the gameplay without interruption Others crave a deep, immersive story that seamlessly blends engaging gameplay with cinematic cutscenes. Game writers account for each player's preferences and ensure the story flows seamlessly with the rest of the experience in order to create a cohesive whole. A "good story" enhances the gameplay and elevates the overall experience, no matter the creators' goals.

Storytelling in games is not just about entertaining players but also about enriching their lives and enhancing their perspectives. A good game story should honor the most important aspects of the human experience, serving as a form of self-help that encourages players to build new ways of thinking and existing in the real world. A powerful story should make players care deeply, using subtle, interpretive, and image-rich elements to weave an overarching theme that ties everything together But storytelling in games is not a one-size-fits-all approach, as players have different preferences that the gameplay, mechanics, setting, audio, and visuals can influence People are constantly changing, and the key to creating an unforgettable game story is to stay flexible, adapting to the needs and desires of the players while staying true to the game's core themes and values

THE IMPORTANCE RESOURCES

Storytelling is vital to game development, connecting players and enriching their lives. Ernest Adams and Nick Montfort have provided valuable insights into interactive storytelling with Adams' book, Fundamentals of Game Design, and Montfort's work, Twisty Little Passages. Clara Vara-Fernandez, an expert in adventure games, has guided developers and recently consulted on Die Gute Fabrik. Regardless of player preferences, a good game story enhances gameplay and honors the human experience. Through storytelling, games transcend interactivity, creating unforgettable worlds. As the gaming industry evolves, storytelling remains essential, weaving mechanics, art, and technology to deliver impactful experiences

From NASA JPL to an indie gaming studio:

Systems Engineer Moves from Success to SATISFACTION

BY GUEST WRITER KIM SHEETER

As an Aviation Week 20 Twenties honoree, a graduate of Johns Hopkins with a master’s in Space Systems Engineering, and a new hire in her dream job at NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), Julia Mihaylov’s career trajectory was stratospheric She was excelling by every metric except one: she was restless After three years as a systems engineer supporting NASA’s Europa Clipper, Mihaylov left NASA to work for an indie game studio, Turn Me Up Games

She didn’t fall out of love with aerospace, a passion she traces to a Griffith Observatory planetarium show that left her near tears in wonder as a young girl. After that, her focus on an aerospace career persisted, and she applied to just one school: Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.

As an only child and first-generation American born to Bulgarian parents, Mihaylov navigated college admittance and scholarships independently. The process sharpened her self-reliance and resilience, which she soon turned into landing a dream job at NASA.

She took an “all in” risk by counting on a job offer from JPL at the end of her undergrad internship, even turning down another offer and waited until JPL came through NASA’s focus on research was a powerful draw for Mihaylov: “JPL became my dream workplace because of their history of discoveries and the fact they are all about advancing knowledge ”

She enjoyed her work, the campus, and the fact that she could check out the Mars Rover during lunch. She had a cool job, proud parents, and she felt set for life.

During the pandemic, downtime was new for her. Working from home provided less interaction with coworkers. But she was feeling more than isolation and deceleration. She craved a faster pace and creative challenges.

"There is a difference between the innovation it takes to manage risk and expense and the creativity of making something new or pretty,” she says “Because of the complexity of aerospace and the need for safety, things move slower ” Mihaylov was at the right place, but was it the right time in her career to work for NASA?

Walking away was scary, but the focus that had served her so well kicked in as she explored what she wanted to walk toward. She loved gaming, particularly the Electronic Arts role-playing game Mass Effect. She wondered how her technical strengths might apply in a different industry: “The point of systems engineering is knowing enough about everything to know what to poke at.”

After earning a certification, she applied to gaming companies, eventually joining Turn Me Up Games, where she ports games onto consoles such as Xbox or Nintendo Switch Moving games between consoles demands ingenuity under aggressive deadlines She works across teams and with developers and publishers, including big franchises produced by Electronic Arts and 2K Games

She appreciates the pace and problem-solving in her daily

work. “Some consoles may not have the functionality or computing power required by a game, so you find ways to incorporate the authentic experience for a different platform,” she explains. "We make cuts to games but strive to deliver the same player experience.”

She hopes others in tech see in her a different type of success story based on keeping personal happiness and growth in your calculations: “It is hard to admit you love something, but it isn’t right for you at a given time or forever I hope people move on, even from things they are good at, and explore new things that can make them happy ”

EVE CREVOSHAY: WRITING A BETTER FUTURE FOR MENTAL HEALTH IN GAMES

BY JOCEE HOLLADAY

Once upon a time, in the magical realm of STEM, there lived a woman named Eve Crevoshay Now, Crevoshay's journey through the mystical lands of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics was anything but ordinary You see, instead of embarking on this adventure armed with a degree in one of those fields, she wielded the power of literature and nonprofit experience!

Upon graduating college with degrees in English & American Literature, Crevoshay wasn’t sure what she wanted to do with her career. “When I left college, I was pretty [sure] I wanted to do good in the world,” she says,

Eve Crevoshay

but that was her only goal. Crevoshay accepted her first job post-graduation as an executive assistant at a nonprofit organization, Project Zero Here, a mentor helped Crevoshay realize her vital skill set for grant writing “He said to me, ‘You’re really good at translating grant opportunities into work I think you’d be good at grant writing ’ I had no idea what I was going to do; I had always been a writer and got a degree in English, so I knew this was a skill that I had,” she shares

Following her sage mentor’s advice, Crevoshay secured a rare, entry-level grant writing job, which marked the

Crevoshay is using her writing and nonprofit experience in her quest to create a safer community for all gamers.

humble beginnings to an epic career. As Crevoshay navigated through her professional path, Crevoshay worked in various roles for several nonprofit organizations. Some positions resonated with her, while others left her uninspired. Before finding a job she truly loved, Crevoshay was doing work she didn’t like. However, in a bold move, she decided to quit her job, a decision she now recalls with laughter as she emphasizes the profound impact of unexpected choices “I just want people to know how random things can be impactful to your story It’s never a straight line,” she affirms

With newfound freedom, Chevoshay took on a role working as a consultant writing grants for Take This, a nonprofit that provides mental health resources to video game makers and players. “I came into an organization and an industry that I knew a fair amount about, but without any direct experience. [Even so, I] had real care for the issues related to mental health and games, and knowledge on how to run a nonprofit organization,” she explains. In a surprising twist, Crevoshay was granted a promotion of epic proportions after a mere three months of consulting. She ascended to the role of Executive Director, assuming a position of power and influence within Take This. For the past five years, Crevoshay has stood at the forefront of the industry-wide initiative to improve mental health in the gaming world

When asked about her remarkable transition into the gaming industry without a formal STEM background or experience in the field, she shrugged and revealed her secret: “You have to play to your strengths What I learned over time was to identify what those strengths were and capitalize on them as much as possible.” Crevoshay knew she was good at running nonprofits and was passionate about helping people with a stroke of fate, her role at Take This perfectly combined these two things.

As the Executive Director, Crevoshay has a lot of say in the direction of the nonprofit. “This is the place where I can help people in the moment with mental health needs. I can also [have] big picture conversations about really big ideas, like how we talk about accountability and repair in the game industry rife with gender-based harm. I can also talk about addressing online harassment and extremist behavior, and scary disinformation and misinformation because this is a place where that happens, and I can decide that is worth our time,” she remarks. As such, Take This’ current initiative is battling the terrorism and disinformation found in gaming communities Alongside other organizations, Take This was awarded an impressive grant from the Department of Homeland Security to do this work

“I just want people to know how random things can be impactful to your story. It’s never a straight line”

In addition to battling terrorism, Take This is a leader in industry research. Take This became the first organization to quantify the adverse effects of grind and crunch cultures, a malady that plagues the gaming industry and numerous other industries. “Crunch culture is physically and mentally harmful,” Crevoshay observes. Not only is crunch culture bad for employees, but employers also fall victim: “There is a point of diminishing returns when you are too burned out and tired You start to do bad work without even realizing it, and that creates more work for you down the line ”

Using Take This’ research, Crevoshay practices what she preaches Embracing a philosophy distinct from the elusive work-life balance, Crevoshay encourages her employees to immerse themselves fully in their respective domains and practice work-life separation. “Work-life separation is different from work-life balance. Balance is really hard to achieve,” she states. Instead, when employees are at work, they are encouraged to focus solely on their work; when employees are at home, they are told to focus exclusively on home.

In Take This’ 10-year history, the nonprofit has reached extraordinary heights, touching the lives of tens of thousands of game makers and players through its mental health programs and partnerships with over 40 game studios Their influence has extended to many realms within the gaming sector; in addition to publishing research, the organization provides industry consulting

and education on the importance of mental health for employees and players.

Take This is dedicated to improving the safety of the gaming community, and Crevoshay believes this starts with the game makers: “We can’t solve the problem without making better games And we can’t make better games without hiring more diverse people ”

Let us celebrate the extraordinary tale of Crevoshay a testament to the fact that individuals who bring their diverse backgrounds, passions, and skills to the table enrich the realms of STEM. The abilities she developed by attaining writing degrees and a career in the nonprofit world have given her the unique skill set required to make lasting, impactful changes for people in the gaming industry and community The work of Crevoshay and other leaders is paying off You will undoubtedly witness signs of improvement if you cast your gaze on the gaming industry as either a game maker or a player

“We can’t solve the problem without making better games. And we can’t make better games without hiring more diverse people.”

Underneath Unpacking:

A Conversation with Creative Director Wren Brier

BY MADELINE DAY

Old teddy bears, cardboard boxes, and packing up a childhood bedroom for a move to college. In Unpacking, creative director Wren Brier transforms the universal process of moving into a playable game that follows a character through eight major life stages.

Brier reflects on the creation of Unpacking and how the game led her on a journey of self-discovery.

A Dive into Game Design

“I’ve always loved playing games,” remarks Brier. She recalls how her family had an “old computer that everyone shared which [she] and [her] brother used to play games.” However, it was not until age 13, when she watched Disney’s Lilo and Stitch, that Brier realized that she wanted to become an animator. She pursued art as a teenager and ultimately decided to study animation overseas, in Australia While applying to colleges, she discovered schools that focused particularly on game design This became the pivotal moment where “it first occurred to [her] that [she] could actually work in games.” Brier combined her love for games and art by earning a degree in animation at Qantm College (now SAE Brisbane).

Unpacking Game Development: from Start to Finish

In her own words, “Unpacking is a game about unpacking. It follows a series of moves through a woman ’ s life from childhood to adulthood, with an emphasis on what she keeps and leaves behind.” The game is “casual and forgiving” and defies typical game conventions. Brier wanted to create a game that was accessible to all, especially to those who do not usually play video games

When asked about what inspired the creation of Unpacking, Brier laughed and remarked that “it is unusual that [Unpacking] has a very clear origin point.” Games do not typically have such a specific origin. While moving in with her partner and unpacking

boxes, Brier noticed how game-like the process felt. Finishing unpacking one box and putting it away allowed her to “unlock” the next box underneath, and she found herself “completing sets of items” that were packed in different boxes.. Even “arranging items on shelves and in drawers” drew resemblance to Tetris. She wanted to channel her experience into a game that would allow players to learn about a character by “recontextualizing the objects they own ”

As a result, a player “ never actually meets the main character” in Unpacking Rather, Brier created the game so that the player learns about the character by unpacking unlabeled boxes: “Part of the puzzle is that people will think about what the item is, what it means to the character, and what it means to themselves.” The game itself has almost no words, which not only increases accessibility but also allows the player flexibility and creative freedom. Although the game follows a specific character throughout her life, the main character ultimately becomes an amalgamation of the designed character and the player, a choice made intentionally by Brier: “You put something of yourself into the character.” There are also “indications of other characters in her life, like housemates and partners,” which allow the player to “learn about her relationship with other people ” Brier wanted to focus on environmental storytelling, honing in on the stories that each item tells Between various moves, the main character forms new relationships and adopts

new habits, all of which can be seen through changes in the items she owns. For example, when the main character has a Malaysian housemate, she learns new cooking skills, “using certain spices and ending up with her housemate’s rice cooker.” When she moves in with her boyfriend, who is a coffee connoisseur, the main character stops drinking instant coffee and instead begins to own coffee-making instruments By highlighting “the mark that people leave on each other, [she] hopes that people reflect on themselves and what our items mean to us ”

Released in November of 2021, Unpacking has won twentythree awards, including BAFTA Game of the Year, and been nominated for over fifty Brier hopes to use her platform to help other women in the games industry, an area of mentorship that she feels was missing during the beginning of her career. Brier now runs Women in Games Brisbane, a group that meets bimonthly for meals and serves as “ a way for women in the local industry to connect.” She is also on the advisory board of the Game Developers Conference Independent Games Summit and hopes to help create opportunities for developers who otherwise would not be able to attend the conference. Reflecting on the development of Unpacking and the journey that followed, Brier notes that “if it’s something you ’ re passionate about, game development is an exciting and worthwhile field to be in ” Her greatest piece of advice for young people looking to join the industry? “Connect with others and make something [you’re] proud of ”

WOMEN IN GAMING:

BY THE NUMBERS

BY JOCEE HOLLADAY

You are likely familiar with the “gamer” stereotype – a teenage boy sneaking downstairs to his Xbox to play a first-person shooter game, like Call of Duty. The media shows this “gamer” stereotype often. In fact, this is the demographic of players that game studios thought were playing their games.

In reality, this gamer stereotype is far from the truth: the numbers show a completely different story. The typical gamer stereotype is an outdated and outrageously incorrect representation of who gamers are. Today, gamers come in all different shapes, sizes, ethnicities, genders, ages, and life stages.

According to the Bryter Female Gaming study, 46% of all gamers and gaming enthusiasts in the United States and United Kingdom are women, the average age of a gamer is 33 years old, and one of the more prominent demographics of gamers is

drum roll, please

mothers!

A research paper titled "Mom Gamers Study: A New Generation of Gamer" conducted by Entertainment Software Association illustrated that over 74% of moms play video games. This is a surprising statistic, even for mothers themselves. Only 48% of moms playing games consider themselves gamers. This percentage is slightly lower than the 54% of dads who self-identify as gamers. The lack of self-identifying “gamer moms ” is one of the many reasons why gaming is considered an activity that men enjoy.

Even though many women are playing video games, the gaming industry is still rife with sexism According to the Diversity in Gaming Study by Diamond Lobby, 80% of all video game characters are male Additionally, 32% of games have only male characters, compared to 5% of games that have only female characters

When women are featured in video games, they are often hyper-sexualized and fit into a typical trope, either as the villain (Resident Evil 8), the love interest (Super Mario), the damsel in distress (Legend of Zelda), the prize (The Witcher 2), or the sidekick (Ico). However, this is not a surprising statistic – the gaming industry is dominated by men. Men claim 84% of executive positions and 76% of non-executive roles in the gaming industry.

The outcome of the lack of diversity in the gaming industry is the lack of diversity in games. Despite women making up almost half of all gamers, they represent less than 25% of game creators. The result of women not being decisionmakers in the gaming industry is that less than 20% of all video game characters are women, and less than 8.3% of games showcase a woman of color.

Luckily, the industry is currently changing: In 2020, there was a 13% increase in female videogame characters compared to the previous year This is likely due to the fact that many game studios are emphasizing diversity and inclusion efforts For example, in the popular game Apex Legends, 50% of the playable characters, called legends, are women! These female characters aren’t stereotypical tropes either; they are badass women with unique backstories and lore who can save themselves and the world. Best of all, both men and women are choosing to play these female-presenting characters!

Quantic Foundry conducted a study which analyzed the character preference of nearly half a million gamers, where they found that 1 out of 3 men will choose to play as a female character. When given the option to select a character, people of all genders preferred to play as a character that most closely represents themselves (this is a great reason as to why we need diversity in games). Not only this, but 90% of women also chose to play as female characters, and only 10% of women liked to play as male characters A similar pattern occurred for non-binary players: they preferred to play as non-binary characters 38% of the time, as female-presenting characters 33% of the time, and male-presenting characters only 10% of the time

The industry is heading in the right direction when it comes to diversity in gaming, but being a woman in games, as both a player and an industry professional, continues to be challenging. A 2019 International Game Developers Association (IGDA) survey found that 74% of women, non-binary, or genderqueer individuals reported experiencing discrimination in the industry. In 2018, Riot Games settled a $100 million lawsuit for their mistreatment and sexual harassment of female employees In 2020, California sued Activision Blizzard for creating a toxic workplace and mishandling sexual harassment claims from their female employees Sexism and misogyny was also reflected in the gaming communities themselves In fact, a recent study found that nearly 60% of female players hide their gender for fear of experiencing harassment online Sex-based discrimination is similarly observed at the intersection of gaming and academia. Over 90% of eSports scholarships go to men, even though half of all gamers are women. Clearly, there is still a long way to go for the video game industry to be an equitable and welcoming place for women and nonbinary people. The past few years have seen the beginning of a turning point for the gaming industry, thanks to the awareness, leadership, training, and accountability provided by many amazing women, some of whom we feature in this issue!

From Therapy to Gaming:

Rachel Kowert’s Journey

BY SOPHIA TANG

"Isee myself continuing to lead the research at Take This, and maybe I’ll sneak myself into the voice of a video game character one day,” Rachel Kowert says as she thinks about what her goals for the future are. But how did Kowert, a research psychologist,

land here with these thoughts in mind? A huge advocate for gaming and mental health, Kowert currently works as a research director at Take This, a nonprofit organization that aims to decrease the stigma around mental health and increase support for mental health in games

As a child, Kowert was interested in understanding the way people think, and she pursued a bachelor’s degree in psychology with the goal of becoming a therapist. While studying to become a therapist, she continued to play video games, which was a childhood interest of hers. She joined the trend of playing the popular game, World of Warcraft; however, its popularity coincided with the height of parents’ concerns for their children’s well-being: a time when video games were being targeted and demonized After Kowert witnessed multiple parents worrying that World of Warcraft and similar video games would cause their children to become violent, she reflected, “Is it negatively impacting me too?” After looking into this widespread issue that many parents were concerned about, she discovered that research on the possible negative social impacts of gaming was fairly limited: “There wasn’t really any research in the area looking at if games cause any kind of short or long term problems,” Kowert comments This ultimately kickstarted the journey she is now on She pivoted away from studying therapy and directed her attention towards gaming research, specifically analyzing the psychological effects of video games.

After discovering her passion for research in the field of video games, she decided to pursue it further by working towards a PhD In her graduate research, she analyzed how socializing through online games affects one ’ s ability to socialize in a non-digital context.

The PhD process is extremely tough, and Kowert emphasizes the importance of having a strong support system while pursuing the degree, saying that “I wouldn’t have gotten my PhD without the strong support of people who understood what the field was about and what the work was like ” Kowert is most proud of her doctorate: “It was a long path that I felt like I was mostly going on alone There’s definitely a point where I hit a wall, where I thought, I’m not good enough, and I’m not smart enough, and my work isn’t good enough’, so I had to do some mental gymnastics to push past the imposter syndrome and make it to the end.”

After completing her time in academia, she joined Take This, a mental health nonprofit, and narrowed her research even further to focus on mental health specifically Currently, she is looking into how hate, harassment, and toxicity in gaming can have negative mental health repercussions, and she actively works to “find solutions to curb these actions in games.”

“That’s what wakes me up everyday: trying to make digital playgrounds a better place for everyone. ”

As a research psychologist, Kowert has the rare opportunity to create new discoveries that change the way people think, and she truly enjoys it. “I love it. I love discovering new things I love speaking to people I love sifting

through the numbers and finding new patterns, as well as informing change ” Kowert is a “firm believer that games are more good than bad,” and she notes how ‘play’ is important to both children and adults as it can help with stress relief, mood management, and social connection. Although games are a great platform to achieve these goals, Kowert still acknowledges the harmful aspects of gaming, and she tries her best to expose these negative facets to people in the gaming industry who stubbornly refuse to admit them “We still need to acknowledge that there are sides to gaming that still need some work,” Kowert explains

Inclusion is one aspect of gaming that still needs improvement: “I think that everyone should be able to participate, women specifically. Women and non-white people are disproportionately targets of hate and harassment in gaming spaces. ”

Ultimately, Kowert reflects that, “I’m very fortunate to have a position that leans so heavily on my background: counseling, my passion for gaming advocacy, and my expertise in gaming effects ” Kowert enjoys her job because advocating within the gaming industry enables her to truly make a change in gaming spaces for everyone, and she is ultimately able to promote the inclusion of all backgrounds in the gaming industry. While conducting her graduate

and postdoctoral research, Kowert sometimes felt as if “only other researchers were reading [her work],” but working at Take This allows her to work in something that “has a practical application to changing the daily lives of people ” Kowert summarizes by saying, “That’s what wakes me up everyday: trying to make digital playgrounds a better place for everyone ” Academic research is much more esoteric, as one is often simply adding to preexisting literature, but Kowert’s current research is more industry-focused and practical.

Among many other notable achievements, Kowert has collaborated with the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) to develop practical advice for many parents about navigating digital guidelines with their children Kowert currently has a two-year partnership with the U S Department of Homeland Security to create a handbook for best practices in relation to moderation and content design, which is aimed to reduce hate, harassment, and exploitation. She is currently six months into the two-year project and hopes that the outcome will be an accessible toolkit to everyone in the gaming industry.

Kowert is a huge believer that information should be accessible to the public in order for these standards to be accepted and implemented, and as a result, she tries her best to raise awareness about topics she is passionate about and provide further resources to the public To educate a wider audience, she started a successful YouTube channel (@Psychgeist), where she shares videos on scientific subjects and makes them understandable to the common person. She also makes her keynote lectures publicly accessible in order to raise awareness about the issues she researches Kowert expresses the urgency to disseminate this information to the public, as research papers are mostly behind paywalls and thus often unavailable to the general public For instance, a large percentage of the population believes that violent video games cause violent behavior in gamers, but researchers like Kowert have conducted extensive research in this area and discovered that this link does not actually exist. However, this research is obscured by the lack of accessible researchers for parents and the public.

Outside of gaming, Kowert has also written a series of children’s stories where everyday girls do everyday tasks to empower women and their independence When Kowert used to read to her own daughters, she discovered the lack of women representation in books, especially children’s series, where the scarce female characters featured in stories were usually rescued by male characters.

Frustrated, Kowert thought to herself, “Why aren’t there any books where the girl is the main character and she’s not magical? Why can’t she solve her own problems with her own abilities?” So she decided to address this issue and ended up writing a whopping twenty-six short stories, selling over $25,000 worth of books in thirty days She has continued to expand upon her stories by composing Tales from Cloud Canyon, another set of books that are set in the same universe.

Video games are a crucial part of Kowert’s life. Even though she is a busy mother, she still manages to make time for games in her life; her office is covered in random gaming acquisitions, and she plays them whenever she can Currently, her favorite games are Witcher 3, Unpacking, and It Takes Two

Ultimately, Kowert is most grateful for “the opportunity to share [her] passion and knowledge on the subject with people who will listen.” In the long term, Kowert wants “games to be safer and more equitable for everyone. I want everyone to feel like they are welcome in the space ” In the long run, Kowert says she sees herself continuing to lead research at Take This, but one of Kowert’s secret small goals is to sneak herself into the voice of a video game character one day. She’s come a long way from becoming a therapist, so voicing a video game character doesn’t seem too far off.

VICTORIA TRAN VICTORIA TRAN

Success through Shenanigans

BY RACHEL LYNN MASON

Personal note from the author:

The year 2020 was a year full of tumult, uncertainty, and loneliness In what seemed like an instant, the “normal way ” of doing was gone: there was always a new concern to fixate on We had to find different ways of doing everything – from grocery shopping to basic human interaction Like many others, I was determined to find creative ways to continue spending time with my friends because I deeply valued their company. We figured out a couple of ways of doing this, but none as effective as playing the game Among Us.

I wasn’t the only person who started playing Among Us during the pandemic. By September 2020, the game had over 60 million users per day, including myself. The game was a source of joy, connection, and even memes in the midst of an otherwise bleak period. Thus, I was utterly thrilled to speak with Victoria Tran, the Community Director at Innersloth Games: the brilliant creators of Among Us As Tran mentioned during our conversation, “A game at the right time and place can be really significant ” I can share that it certainly was for me

Although I was initially intrigued by Tran’s relationship with Innersloth and Among Us, I became absolutely enthralled by her perspectives on community, creativity, and what it means to find joy in your career. She recognizes that gaming has the power to transcend barriers, bring people together, and create communities where individuals can bond over shared experiences.

Breakingontothescene

Immediately after graduating from college, Tran felt she had the opportunity to use her first job as a chance to spring into a new stage of life. Having done freelance social media management as a way to make money throughout college, “by the time [she] graduated, [she] had a lot of experience in digital marketing” which helped her break into the game industry She applied to many jobs, but being somebody who “always enjoyed games,” a listing for Kitfox’s Community Manager position caught her eye Despite the fact that the gaming industry “takes a lot of luck” to enter, she soon found herself right in the middle of it, marketing games like Pupperazzi and Boyfriend Dungeon. Recognizing the potential of Among Us, Tran joined Innersloth in 2020 and helped manage it into the iconic game it is today. She has had incredible impact, her unique approach to community management and marketing strategies garnering widespread acclaim from the gaming industry and the player community alike.

Passionforcommunity

In addition to her marketing and social media savvy, Tran loves to foster genuine connections and celebrate others in her community Reflecting on what initially drew her to the field, she said, “games are a huge community that has taught me so much.” While many others in the game industry’s professional sphere hope to one day develop their own games, Tran sees the value in being a supportive figure and loves “being a cheerleader for others ” As a Community Director, she focuses on bolstering interactions, spreading the word about Innersloth’s workings, and ensuring that community members feel heard. “I love to watch people think of new things and share their ideas, then let other people become a part of that,” she said A big part of her job is balancing feedback from multiple points of view –making others feel heard while still keeping the community's best interests at heart.

ChaoticShenanigans

Part of Tran’s job description at Innersloth is that she “makes chaotic shenanigans happen.” When questioned about what “chaotic shenanigans'' entail, she responded with the enthusiasm and joy that is integral to her approach As Community Director, a lot of her role depends on interfacing with the people who actively play Among Us, and she recounts that “ one of the exciting things about our base is the ability to inject some chaos and fun; part of the appeal of games is being able to create meaningful moments that stick in people's minds to bond over " A big part of the shenanigans take place online interacting with fans of the game, and creating investment in the game in new and exciting ways.

Usinggamesforprofessionaldevelopment

For many, video games are a source of fun and relaxation outside of the bounds of school or work Tran speaks to the many benefits outside of these more conventional areas In Tran’s words, “games have very passionate communities of people, so they draw a lot of ideas and different perspectives, which can be a really amazing way to learn how to synthesize information and communicate with a wide variety of people”. Additionally, she says that because games “play with a lot of new technology,” they can play a role in developing a technologically literate workplace. Games like Among Us, famous for bringing people together, can teach valuable skills in strategy, collaboration, and even team building.

Beyondtheworkplace

Victoria Tran's influence extends beyond her role at Innersloth as a Community Director. Her work with Wholesome Games have also had significant impacts. Wholesome Games is an initiative that showcases and celebrates games prioritizing wholesome and positive experiences. Tran has become an influential figure through her blog and work with Wholesome Games, using her platform to champion a more inclusive and compassionate approach to game development. Tran's blog serves as a platform where she shares her thoughts on game development, community management, and the importance of fostering inclusivity and positivity within the gaming industry.

Her insightful and thought-provoking articles resonate with aspiring game developers and community managers, offering valuable advice and guidance. Through her writing, Tran encourages individuals to embrace their creativity, challenge industry norms, and create games that foster meaningful connections among players. Tran's collaboration with Wholesome Games further demonstrates her dedication to promoting a more inclusive and uplifting gaming landscape As an organizer for Wholesome Games, Tran actively curates game showcases, which highlight indie titles that embody values such as kindness, empathy, and joy Her involvement in this initiative reflects her commitment to promoting diverse voices and fostering a supportive community within the gaming industry

SuccessHerWay

The tech sphere is known for being innovative, difficult to break into, and, above all, productive Such an environment may not seem like it has room for chaos and fun, but Tran has struck gold by letting those principles guide her. As a communications specialist, her skills are an advantage: “in tech, you often find that hard skills are the ones that are valued, but soft skills, which are really difficult to teach, are also very valuable,” Tran said. She has found incredible success, being recognized by Forbes, Wired, and IGN, by doing things her own way and paving her own path.

Victoria Tran’s passion for bringing others together through the fantastic and unexpected is a warm reminder of the power of joy and togetherness in spaces, even the office or the lab Her insights and contributions inspire not only aspiring game developers and community managers, but also players who seek more meaningful and uplifting gaming experiences Tran's dedication to fostering positive communities and promoting diverse voices serves as a guiding light for the industry, reminding us of the transformative power of games and the importance of building a supportive and inclusive gaming ecosystem for all. As Tran would say, “Doing the job is much more fun when you bring a lot of people in,” and “the chaos and fun is one of the best parts!”

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Intro

to

Game Development

BY ISABEL POWELL

At one time or another, we have all become

obsessed with a game. Maybe you ran around town searching for Pokemon in the PokemonGo phase or have reached absurdly high levels in Candy Crush or Wordscapes. Maybe you stayed up all night playing Fortnite or were undefeated at Mario Kart. No matter which piqued your interest, most people have experienced the thrill and excitement of a near-addictive game. Games bring people together in a fun, creative, and often chaotic or loud way They teach us to think strategically, cooperate with (and often betray) those around us, and allow us to enter a new world

Now, where do these games come from? Who thought of Minecraft or Angry Birds, and how did they transform one seemingly absurd idea into an actual product? To understand the complicated and fascinating world of game design, meet two experts: Drs. JC Lau and Kelli Dunlap.

JC Lau, Ph.D., is a game producer responsible for ensuring that the high-quality games she works on launch on time. Lau has been integral to the success and development of games such as Destiny 2, BattleTech, and Lamplighters League. She is, impressively, president of the Board of

Directors for the Global Game Jam, a nonprofit whose mission is to empower all individuals worldwide to learn, experiment, and create together through the medium of games in a safe and welcoming environment.

Kelli Dunlap, Psy D , is a clinical psychologist and game enthusiast who combines her interests as Community Director at Take This, a mental health advocacy organization that focuses on the game industry, and in her private practice, Pixel Perfect Psychotherapy

As a game designer herself, Dunlap understands the delicate intricacies (and countless frustrations) of game development. Games and game development fill every aspect of Dunlap’s life; she even met her husband at American University by asking to borrow his Xbox to play Halo, and now she integrates games into her private practice. She is even developing her own game in her spare time! The game development process is incredibly complicated for her: “I’ve gone through childbirth twice, and making a game is harder ”

Dunlap recognizes the unique power of games to connect people, overcome challenges, and build resilience Games bring people together through multiplayer games or

shared experiences and teach real-life skills through a relatively risk-free simulation. Dunlap uses the power of games to help clients learn about their mental health and develop essential management skills. “Games let us talk about something as amorphous and vague as ‘anxiety’ and help us externalize ‘anxiety’ as a thing,” she says This external ‘thing,’ rather than an abstract idea, can be easier to tackle and manage All in all, games are more than just fun and excitement; they help facilitate interpersonal connections and teach real-world skills

So, what makes games so difficult to develop? From the initial glimpse of an idea to shipping it, game designers have to consider art, style, sound, coding, and a million other things. Successful game production requires countless individuals with diverse skill sets and areas of expertise. Game producers like Lau need to be supportive, good communicators, organized, and have a broader perspective on the project as a whole. Artists and sound engineers are creative and detail-oriented, while programmers are analytical and highly focused. The unique members of a game design team enrich the collaborative efforts and game stories through their different backgrounds and experiences

Beyond these technical challenges, the game development field is vulnerable to broader social challenges Like many other STEM fields, white men have historically dominated game design; young game developers like Lau and Dunlap are working to change this. In 2019, Lau attended the Game Developers Conference and was refused her speaker badge because she didn’t “look like a speaker” as a woman of color. She channeled her frustration into something powerful and productive: an online campaign called #WhatAGameDevLooksLike, where game developers, especially from marginalized backgrounds, shared a picture of themselves to demonstrate how diverse the industry really is.

"Games let us talk about something as amorphous and vague as ‘anxiety’ and help us externalize ‘anxiety’ as a thing."

Despite these challenges, game developers still see the value in painstakingly producing a game After all, just imagine the laughter and fun a single game can create!

Here are a couple of pieces of advice to get started in game development:

First, if you have an idea for a game, start making it! Like many other fields, it is difficult to understand the exact skills needed and identify all the intricacies of game design until you are knee-deep in it. Starting to develop a game, even if it is only a rough or simplified version, is the best way to gain initial knowledge and experience.

You can also start as a game tester, which will help integrate you into the game development field, connect you to relevant people, and help you gain essential skills. In the meantime, start narrowing down your specific interests in game development based on your skills. Are you an animator or artist? Are you a software developer? Are you a marketing manager or creative director? No one can do everything; identify the areas where you can best contribute and start growing those skills!

While playing a game, we rarely stop to appreciate all of the minute decisions, individual contributions, and distinct people who went into building something so creative and fun. Next time a content warning pops up, think of Dunlap dedicating effort to protecting players; each time a woman of color attains a leadership position in game development, remember Lau’s pioneering work and commitment to increasing representation in the field These insights from Lau and Dunlap provide just a brief glimpse into the blood, sweat, and tears members of the game design team invest in their work

The world of game development can seem daunting and overwhelming at first, but don’t let that deter you! Start brainstorming your first game idea and begin making the world a more fun and creative place.

MOJANG STUDIOS Women in Gaming: Building a Better—and More Equitable—World through the Power of Play at Minecraft

BY GUEST WRITER CHRISTOPHER DE HAAN, BUSINESS PROGRAM MANAGER, MOJANG STUDIOS

Mojang Studios, owned by Microsoft Corporation

and part of Xbox Game Studios, is the creator of Minecraft, a game about breaking, collecting, and placing blocks where players work together to create wonderful, imaginative things. Minecraft is the best-selling video game of all time, played by millions of players in every country and territory around the world, including Antarctica and the Vatican City

Minecraft is also the most-watched content on YouTube in history, surpassing over 1 trillion views in December of 2021 Widely available across more than 20 platforms, including PC, console, and mobile devices, Minecraft appeals to all players regardless of age, demographics, or geography. A record 141 million people played Minecraft in August of 2021, and over 1 billion multiplayer hours were logged in Minecraft in 2021.

As part of Reinvented Magazine’s Women in Gaming issue, we recently hosted a virtual round table with a few of our exceptional women at the studio. They represent diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds, work in different disciplines, hail from different geographies around the world, and have varied experience in gaming some are seasoned industry veterans and some are relative newcomers but they all have one thing in common: they represent the ever-expanding and deepening bench of female talent who are passionate collaborators and help bring Minecraft to life as part of Mojang Studios And, as we hope you will see, they’re all just like you

“Games bring people together, they build bridges and forge bonds,” says Helen Chiang, Corporate Vice President and Head of Mojang Studios. “I’m committed to making our studio a great place to work for everyone by building a diverse team where people feel they belong and can do their best work. We do this through intentional inclusion, education, recruiting, and outreach. Games are played by everyone, and our day-to-day culture should reflect that.”

Helen Chiang

“Minecraft is enjoyed by players of all ages, genders, capabilities, and backgrounds with nearly 140 million unique players engaging across all platforms every month,” said Ulrika Hojgard, Head of Stockholm Studio. “We embrace the challenge of keeping Minecraft relevant for our diverse player base and try to represent as much of our community as we can throughout the franchise. Similarly, we continue to learn from our employees and our community, making us more aware of important cultural experiences and systemic issues. There’s always more to learn, whether we’re improving our offerings to the community or the studio."

Ulrika Höjgård

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

Åsa Bredin

Mariana Salimena

Meagan Dumford

Annie Chenn

Tia Dalupan-Wong

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 are some of your most exciting highlights or proudest achievements, either on the job or culturally as a part of Mojang Studios?

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.

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DIY: DESKTOP ARCADE

BY GUEST WRITER KIKI PROTTSMAN

Have you ever wanted an arcade cabinet in your house so you could play retro-style games with your family and friends? What if you could easily create games that could be added to it in less than an hour?

You can with Microsoft MakeCode Arcade!

This DIY activity will show you how to make your own cardboard arcade cabinet, complete with a multiplayer feature and a multi-game kiosk interface.

Materials:

laptop, connected to the internet

2-player LED buttons (or another controller)

2-3 cardboard boxes

scissors, strong tape, and markers contact paper and stickers for finishing touches

Instructions:

Part 1: Prepare Your Arcade 1

To get started, visit arcade makecode com and choose a game to create You can follow one of our simple tutorials (like Whack-the-Mole using aka ms/whack-the-mole) or click “New Project” to create a game on your own.

2 3 4

Make more games! You can add a whole bunch of items to your kiosk, so take time to make whichever games sound most interesting to you. See what else you can do by visiting our YouTube channel at aka.ms/MakeCodeYouTube.

Open the kiosk! Visit https://aka ms/kiosk to start your arcade kiosk You’ll see several games that are available to play right away You’ll also see a button on the top right for adding more games Navigate using the arrow keys and select using the space bar.

Prepare your kiosk for games! After selecting the “Add your game” button (fig. 1), you’ll be given a six-digit code that you will need to remember to share your games during the next step

You’ll need to sign-in if you want to save your games and send them to your kiosk later.

Open the MakeCode Arcade game you want to add to your Kiosk and click the Share button

Give your game a title and select an image or gif of your game and click the “Share Project” button.

In the next window, click the joystick button, which will allow you to enter a code for your Kiosk.

Type your kiosk’s six-digit code into the “Share Project” window and click Submit.

This will add your game to the end of your kiosk’s game list. The code for your kiosk will expire within a certain number of minutes. If you want to add more games after that time, you’ll need to put your kiosk into receiving mode again

For more details on how kiosk works, visit https://aka.ms/kioskHelp

Part 2: building your cabinet

Measure your laptop and make sure you know the dimensions of the total surface when opened, as well as the screen portion

Use those measurements (fig. 2) to make a paper template that you can use throughout the rest of the project.

Figure out how your laptop will be situated inside your cardboard arcade cabinet shell Does the laptop open all the way to 180°? You can try pushing it flat against the wall of a large box and secure it directly to the side Does it only open to around 150°? You may need to plan for your screen to be at a bit of an angle or for your arcade cabinet to have a shelf to contain the lower portion.

Use your computer’s measurements to draw a few possible designs for your cabinet. Don’t forget to leave room for your controller buttons and all the wires that attach to them

You’ll also need to figure out the support structure that will hold your computer (fig. 3). Will it be taped inside? Propped up by a box? Will you build handles and slats into the inside of your cabinet to keep it steady?

Start building! Use your template to help you measure your cardboard pieces and start cutting and folding to get the cabinet you designed You will probably need a good amount of heavy-duty tape to keep it all together

Make sure you test fit your laptop along the way to be certain that everything is going to come together in the end.

figure 2

figure 3

4 5 6

Add the buttons (fig 4) For this activity, we used the Hikig 2-player LED buttons for Raspberry Pi and Windows (aka.ms/buttonsUsed) but you can select whatever set of buttons works with your computer. You can even use USB or Bluetooth handheld controllers, or a normal keyboard.

The controllers you select will likely come with clear instructions about how to hook the buttons into the circuit board and how to plug them into your machine

If you ’ re using a keyboard, no additional steps should be necessary in that area, but keep these key codes (fig. 5) in mind so two players can play on the same machine.

7

Perfect and decorate! Now is the time to wrap your cabinet in contact paper to keep it looking all clean and tidy. Feel free to draw designs, add stickers, or just trim it out with a bit of tape!

Once you ’ re done, show off what you made with family and friends.

Put it all together! Now that you have the shell of your arcade cabinet and your buttons are wired, it’s time to put everything together.

Insert the buttons into your cardboard cabinet, plug them into your laptop, and slide your laptop into the box

Test it out! How does it work? Can you navigate the kiosk using your controller buttons? How does everything look?

It’s perfectly normal to require some debugging at this stage. Make sure to read through the controller instructions again or ask a friend for help if you get stuck

If you decide to share on social media, don’t forget to tag Microsoft MakeCode @MSMakeCode. We might just feature one of your designs!

figure 4

figure 5

Engineer spotlight

Meet Sarah Rietkerk! She is the engineer responsible for the kiosk feature that we used in the DIY

Sarah grew up with a passion for technology and creativity. Her dad was an internet service provider and her mom loved arts and crafts. She enjoyed school, but she was particularly fond of literature, math, and science because she’s drawn to problem-solving. In her free time, she enjoyed playing basketball, reading, writing stories, playing video games, and going on adventures with her sisters.

Sarah discovered her love for computer science in college after taking a class in Python, where she realized how fun programming could be She was inspired by the cool websites and applications people were building and wanted to learn how to create things like that However, Sarah's journey wasn't straightforward. She pursued mechanical and computer engineering before realizing computer science and digital art was her passion; she graduated with a degree in this passion from Cal Poly, SLO in June 2022.

This kiosk project was Sarah’s first big feature out of school, and she was determined to create a tool that could be used in classrooms to excite students to make games, so she made features like adding and deleting games straightforward With user flows in mind, she took efforts to understand and work with the existing code and interface Although this can be the most challenging part of working with a new codebase, it turned out to be crucial for her initial growth as a software engineer

Sarah advises other girls who are interested in coding not to worry if they don't understand everything right away. That's normal! Jump in and start playing around with different programming languages and frameworks. The best way to learn is by doing, so create personal projects and experiment with tools Remember, your unique perspective and voice are important Don't be afraid to share your story and show off your skills You might just inspire someone else to follow in your footsteps So go out there, be curious, and push boundaries!

Sarah Rietkerk

OPPORTUNITY BOARD

Girlstart: Starry Nights

Where: Austin, Texas

When: September 7th, October 5th, November 2nd, December 7th, 2023

What: Girlstart’s STEM Studio and mini-Planetarium is a unique space for families to explore astronomy! Starry Nights are held the first Thursday of every month:each event features a new astronomy experience and related hands-on activities. Family members of all ages and genders are welcome!

International Latina Engineer Week Conference

Where: Chicago, Illinois, and Virtual

When: October 9th-14th, 2023

What: This conference gives Latina students and professionals access to an amazing network of Ingenieras to help them overcome the struggles that minorities face in engineering fields. As part of ILEW, you can attend live sessions, career opportunities, mentoring programs, and even scholarships This conference hosts both virtual and in person events

STEMEd for Girls

Where: Virtual

When: September 6th, 20th, October 4th, 18th, November 15th, 2023

What: STEMEd for Girls is a free online program created for high school girls with a particular focus on students of color and the people who support them. Whether you are just starting to explore an interest , or you have already decided to major in a STEM field in college, this program will help you prepare for the journey from 9th grade to 12th grade.

Virtual Science - Build A Generator

Where: Virtual

When: September 20th, 2023

What: The Exelon STEM Academy is calling for all high school girls from the Chicago, DC, and Baltimore area to explore nuclear energy! Attendees will have the opportunity to work with student mentors to build your own generator. Materials will be sent upon registration.

Girl STEM-Powerment

Where: Anne Arundel Community College, Maryland

When: October 26th, 2023

What: The Maryland Tech Council Chesapeake Regional Chapter, Maryland STEM Festival, and Anne Arundel Community College are collaborating to host a free STEM-Powerment event which aims to inspire middle and high school girls to pursue STEM careers. It will feature presentations and discussions by female professionals and college students from various organizations, including NASA and the United States Naval Academy

Girls Day: Museum in Motion

Where: MIT Museum, Massachusetts

When: November 12th, 2023

What: Girls Day is an event that celebrates women pursuing careers in STEM fields Attendees can participate in hands-on activities such as Makey-Makey, building automata, and high-speed imaging. Additionally, there will be gallery talks and programs in The Exchange featuring shape-shifting displays, motorsports, autonomous vehicles, and rocketry. The family-friendly event welcomes all ages.

STEMeHers: Experiment, Explore, Inspired

Where: West Midlands, Birmingham, Alabama, and Virtual

When: December 20th, 2023

What: December Explore is an upcoming event that invites young women and nonbinary individuals for a day of STEAM exploration The event aims to provide opportunities for learning and inspiration in entrepreneurship, industry, and academia. The agenda includes keynote sessions, icebreakers, speed networking, a panel discussion, and a Q&A session.

X-STEM NOVA Conference

Where: Leesburg, Virginia

When: October 20th, 2023

What: X-STEM NOVA is a free conference for upper-middle and high school students designed to empower and inspire kids about careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Attendees will be inspired by presentations from leading STEM role models, participate in Q&A sessions, learn by doing hands-on workshops, interact with students from all over the county, and have fun while learning about exciting career opportunities in STEM!

ASK GLORIA

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Q:

What are some ways to effectively study and score higher on assessments?

When it comes to effectively studying, I recommend finding tricks that work for you over a long period of time You can set aside 30 minutes each day to study the topic, join a study group, or review your notes before class Things are a little different when it comes to assessments

you would simply keep moving to a question that you do know the answer to. Once you have finished answering the questions, go back and double check your answers before you turn the test in The method helps to use your time most efficiently.

Q:

Working in tech, I compete a lot with single bachelors who are working 50+ hours a week (which they can do as they don't have kids or outside responsibilities). As a woman who only has 40 hours to give her career each week, how can I keep up with the people who put in 50 hours a week?

A:

I would focus on the 40 hours that I have and not on other colleagues. You were hired to do 40 hours, and that should be the expectation for the role Time alone is not a good indicator of your performance at work.

Even if your coworker was putting in 50 hours, you might be more efficient with your 40 hours and produce better quality of work Focus on you – as long as you are doing well with your scope of work, then keep it up. If you are hired for a 40-hour-aweek role and the expected time of work is 50 hours, you should reevaluate if you want to work that much and if your compensation aligns with that expectation. Lastly, keep track of your accomplishments and contributions so that you can remind yourself and your boss during your review.

be caring and be firm

A: KSA AIROLG

Q:

How do you deal with people who take advantage of your vulnerability and caring heart?

Q:

What does equity mean to you?

A:

Remember that “No ” is a complete sentence and you never have to explain why. I generally will give most people the benefit of the doubt but when a behavior crosses a boundary or makes me the slightest bit uncomfortable, it becomes a hard pass for me. You are the greatest advocate for yourself and deserve to give yourself the same level of respect and care that you extend so freely to others. A:

Not everyone always has pure intentions. One way to protect yourself from being taken advantage of is to have strong boundaries You can still

Equity to me means that all barriers of inequality have been removed and everyone has a proportional opportunity to excel to their fullest potential We all don’t have the same starting point or opportunities to advance at the same time, but equity to me would be when the systematic inequalities were removed and

Q:

What is the best advice you have ever been given?

A:

needs or questions

Q:

A:

The biggest thing men can do to achieve equality is to understand where they have privilege and power, and do whatever is in their power to empower the oppressed group This can look like sharing their salary for pay transparency, referring a woman for a position or promotion, offering up a speaking opportunity and suggesting the replacement be a woman, or amplifying the work of women. Mostly what men can do is to listen to the women around them and ask how they can be supportive There are so many levels of inequality beyond gender that there is not a one-size-fits-all approach

Q:

What is the best way you've found to be taken seriously in situations while you were a young professional?

A:

I believe in the “show, don’t tell” method – it’s about action rather than words Instead of saying that you are ready for more responsibility, simply take on more responsibility. Become the one on the team that is a go-to person for

Maybe you are the one who has a firm understanding of certain documentation, or the one that has taken the initiative to research a possible solution. If there is a need on the team, take it on as an opportunity to prove to the rest of your colleagues that you are serious about your work and your role If you don’t know of an opportunity to grow in your current role, you can always ask your boss or get a mentor to help you

Q:

How did you decide between a technical or people-manager role?

A:

A technical manager oversees the development and maintenance of a company’s technology systems and processes. People managers handle all people-related tasks like employee engagement and career development One way to think about this is that the technical manager oversees the technology and its development and the people manager manages the people who create the technology There are different objectives for each manager day-to-day, but both are needed to run a successful company

Q:

How do you disconnect from work and set healthy boundaries for worklife balance?

A:

When I transitioned from in-office to remote work, this was hard for me. I found myself answering Discord and Telegram messages all throughout the day Now, I really value my balance I learned to block out time on my calendar and prioritize mental health. Everyday, I give myself an hour of me-time and on the weekends, I don’t respond to work messages unless it’s an emergency. I have a block of time on Monday morning to reset my work week and I have a “deep working” time on Friday afternoons to wrap up my work. It helps me be a better employee. I also suggest stepping away from work when you are done for the day and not picking it up again until the next day. Find your favorite way to disconnect: it can be a physical activity, a phone call to a friend, or even a moment of meditation

Whatever it is, find what works for you and be consistent. It makes it easier to maintain the boundary and in the end, makes for a happier employee

I A

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Issue 16 Fall 2023