Colorful Pixels, host Carmen Askerneese speaks with Agnesa Belegu about her journey from a curious child playing video games in Kosovo to becoming a professional game designer.

Agnesa shares her early memories of gaming, the challenges she faced as a woman in the industry, and how games helped her learn English.

More about Agnesa:

Agnesa Belegu is a Senior Game Designer at EA Maxis, working on The Sims 4. She's previously worked on titles like SEED, Dying Light, EA Sports’ NBA Live 2018, and has a proud background of grassroots game development in her home country Kosovo. Agnesa's lead multidisciplinary teams, taught game design and continues to actively mentor emerging game developers globally. She continues to build bridges between global and local ecosystems in Kosovo, believing that games are powerful tools for character development

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Gaming Memories

04:43 The Journey from Player to Developer

11:23 Learning English Through Games

15:05 Discovering Game Development

19:39 The Path to Becoming a Game Designer

25:11 Reflecting on Achievements and Challenges

30:01 Advice for Aspiring Game Developers

34:04 Closing Thoughts and Future Aspirations

Follow Carmen online for more Colorful Pixels episodes and news:

• Instagram, TikTok, Blue Sky, YouTube: @CarmenAskerneese
• Substack: The Save Point

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#gaming, #gamedevelopment, #childhoodmemories, #womeningaming, #gamedesign, #mentorship, #storytelling

Carmen Askerneese speaks with Jay-Ann Lopez about her journey in gaming, the importance of representation, and the impact of Black Girl Gamers in the industry.

Jay-Ann shares her early gaming memories, the evolution of game development, and the need for inclusivity and nuance in storytelling.

More about Jay-Ann Lopez:

Jay-Ann Lopez is the Founder and CEO of Black Girl Gamers, a leading organization championing diversity and inclusion in the gaming industry. A BAFTA member and Honorary Professor at Norwich University of the Arts, and is internationally recognized for her advocacy for Black women in gaming. Black Girl Gamers collaborates with major brands, promoting equity through talent brokering, consultancy, education, media and events.

Jay-Ann's influence extends beyond gaming, blending beauty and fashion with initiatives like Gamer Girls Night In. Named a top innovator by the Institute of Digital Fashion, she’s been featured in Vogue, Dazed and Forbes and is a sought-after speaker and presenter.

Follow Jay-Ann and Black Girl Gamers:

• Black Girl Gamers Website: https://www.theblackgirlgamers.com/

• Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/blackgirlgamers

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gaming/blackgirlgamers

• Twitter/X: https://x.com/blackgirlgamers

• Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/blackgirlgamers

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theblackgirlgamers/

• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@blackgirlgamers

  
  

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  Follow Carmen on socials for Colorful Pixels updates and more:

  TikTok: @CarmenAskerneese

  Instagram: @CarmenAskerneese

  Bluesky: @CarmenAskerneese

  Substack: The Save Point

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  #videogames, #gamedevelopment, #gaminghistory, #programming, #gamedesign , #career , #madden , #careeradvice, #gamingindustry

Host Carmen Askerneese speaks with Guest Josh Navarro this week. From nostalgic arcade memories to the intricacies of game design, Josh shares his journey from a passionate gamer to a seasoned professional in the industry.

Josh's Bio: Josh was raised in Dallas, TX and went to Texas Tech University for undergrad before moving to Florida to pursue game design at the Florida Interactive Entertainment Academy. Since then, he has worked at Electronic Arts, Crystal Dynamics, and most recently Cloud Chamber. He has 6 years of game development experience as a Technical and Systems Designer and has contributed to titles such as Madden, Marvel’s Avengers, Perfect Dark, and the upcoming Bioshock.

Josh's Links:

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/joshmnavarro

Instagram: @jnavarro_

-------------Follow Carmen on socials for Colorful Pixels updates and more: TikTok: @CarmenAskerneeseInstagram: @CarmenAskerneeseBluesky: @CarmenAskerneeseSubstack: The Save Point

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#videogames, #gamedevelopment, #gaminghistory, #programming, #gamedesign , #career , #madden , #careeradvice, #gamingindustry