All the information from Pax West - September 3-4

This is the reason that I watch The Patch, I used to watch X Play (I think) with Morgan Webb, anything where it has commentary from a bunch'a dudes. Guys have a tendency to revert back to the "git gud" mentality. Ashley Jenkins, even though she was a pro-gamer (CS I think?), still provides a different perspective on gaming as a whole, and where it's going. I only wish that Meg Turney wouldn't have left, because she was brilliant, too. And Morgan Webb, well... Hell, she was the first woman I know of to be on camera giving reviews of video games.

Like it or not, women are here. Better get used to it.

Bioware's in a sort of in-between state lately: they're obviously being tight-lipped about MEA, and neither the secret IP nor DA4 have been officially announced yet so they have to stick to general topics or past games. It could also be that Laidlaw and Weekes are the only devs with enough time to spare. (Not sure what a localization producer does).

Here's an example of what their previous Pax schedules looked like (note how they had a lot more events going on than they do this time): blog.bioware.com/?s=pax

And here's a few of their past panels:
- Weekes and Epler on Trespasser's writing process at GDC 2016:

- The Art & Inspiration of DAI at GDC 2015:


The GDC Vault in general is a good place to find their previous panels (they also have a Youtube channel): www.gdcvault.com/search.php#&category=free&firstfocus=&keyword=bioware&conference_id=

As you ask, it was a university Programming degree and she was the only female person in her group.
At a younger age too, I funded her to attend out of school programming hobbies, because she was interested, but again the only, or one of two female.

Why? Not a simple answer. Marketing such learning more to guys, less expectation that females would be any good?
There are plenty of bigger social problems, but sure, this is a legitimate issue facing games development,
and it's as good a topic as any given that I suspect their topics are restricted.

Anyway, we'd better get back on (the main) topic... 

My point exactly. They invent problems to publicly worry about them and by that cutting off any legitimate questions about game development.

Here is more information about the three panels that BioWare are attending:


Making and Promoting Non-Traditional Characters in Games

Saturday, 2pm

Games are finally starting to reflect their diverse players with more types of characters, scenarios, and approaches to gameplay. Whether it's writing a one-eyed pansexual bull and his trans lieutenant; featuring non-white main characters; showcasing the female option in marketing; creating an entire cast caught in a web of gender, sexuality, and ability; acquiring unusual indie titles; or keeping the conversation going; it's crucial. Hear from those who did it and how they'll do it again.

PANELISTS:
Patrick Weekes [Lead Writer, BioWare], Hilary Heskett Shapiro [Sr. Brand Manager, Bethesda Softworks], Miellyn Fitzwater Barrows [Creative Director, Gorgeous Robot], Arden Ripley [Writer / Developer, Date or Die], Steve Gee [Senior Manager, Developer Relations, Adult Swim Games], Tanya DePass [Freelance Critic and Diversity Consultant, #INeedDiverseGames]

west.paxsite.com/schedule/panel/making-and-promoting-non-traditional-characters-in-games


Foreplay: Romance in Games

Saturday, 8pm

So, what's it like to be in the business of making gamers fall in love with characters that aren't real? With a growing diversity of games, we have a broader spectrum of romances than ever. But what makes you fall in love with your favorite in-game paramour? Hitting the right balance of writing, artwork, voice acting and music is complicated. How do the pros do it? And what could the future hold? Come cuddle up as we turn down the lights and turn down the bed on modern, digital romance.

PANELISTS:
Mike Laidlaw [Creative Director, BioWare], Sean Baptiste [Community Manager, Adult Swim], Miellyn Fitzwater Barrows [Writer / Creative Director, Gorgeous Robot], Judy Tyrer [Founder, 3 Turn Productions LLC], Cissy Jones [Voiceover Actor, Abrams Artists Agency], Hilary Heskett Shapiro [Sr. Brand Manager, Bethesda Softworks]

west.paxsite.com/schedule/panel/foreplay-romance-in-games


Team Up: Women in Games & Tech

Sunday, 2pm

Women are a driving force behind many creative disciplines in both the video game industry and tech. Join the discussion to learn about overcoming common obstacles, hear war stories, and get networking advice from professionals. We will cover topics from getting a job to growing your career and everything in between. Come prepared to ask questions, and get ready for an uplifting conversation on how to effect positive change in your career.

PANELISTS:
Hilary Heskett Shapiro [Sr. Brand Manager, Bethesda Softworks], Miellyn Fitzwater Barrows [Creative Director, Gorgeous Robot], Jessica Merizan [Sr. Community Manager, Microsoft], Melanie Fleming [Producer, BioWare], Trin Garritano [Events Manager, Cards Against Humanity]
west.paxsite.com/schedule/panel/team-up-women-in-games-tech

Diversity for diversity's sake is laughable, and often leads to poorer performance than would otherwise occur.

Just give me the best performers; gender, orientation, preference, ethnicity, etc, are secondary.

Open the doors to all, create an open, welcoming environment, and select the best.

Utopian and a pipe dream probably, but I can hope.

Don't forget an 'Officially Unofficial Bioware Fan' T-shirt.

The snowflake detector is off the damn charts!

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From Bio.
"Games are finally starting to reflect their diverse players with more types of characters, scenarios, and approaches to gameplay. Whether it’s writing a one-eyed pansexual bull and his trans lieutenant; featuring non-white main characters; showcasing the female option in marketing; creating an entire cast caught in a web of gender, sexuality, and ability; acquiring unusual indie titles; or keeping the conversation going; it’s crucial. Hear from those who did it and how they’ll do it again."

I'm more interested in a solid engaging and fun game than looking forwards to meeting a pansexual or trans characacter in that game.  Geeesh!  The studio has their priorities mixed up.

and then there is this twitter image ...

I hope Bioware is busy making a game, rather than just preachily promoting a political agenda ...


Mitu K-PAX ‏@mituk

.@mike_Laidlaw on the nuances and importance of being progressive re: social issues vs. being "preachy" #PAXDev

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Again, I say they have their priorities mixed up. If ML wants to show the studio is progressive then start preaching about moral values that matter. .. you know, kindness, honesty,  work ethic, good parenting, taking responsibilities, duty, good role model for your children ... etc. Parading trans and pans in a game doesn't cut it.