Ladies in Gaming Biz: Jemima at Auroch Digital

The name LadiesGamers isn’t chosen randomly, our name sort of gives it away: even when our writers and readers are of different genders, we especially welcome female gamers. After all, that’s how the site started: with the views of an older woman on the world of gaming. And for a couple of years now there are two older ladies at the helm!

We feel it’s time to give women that work in the gaming industry a podium. A lot of avid gamers would probably love to have a job in the industry themselves and we think it’s especially important to encourage girls, in particular, to go for their dream job.

So time for a new series of articles, featuring ladies who are working in the gaming business! Interested? You’ll find the other interviews here.

Meet Jemima from Auroch Digital

Who is Jemima in everyday life? Can you tell us a bit about your private life?

I spend a lot of time gaming with my partner as we’re both big gamers. I love fantasy and anything with wizards and dragons in. I’m also an animal lover and a vegan. My most prized possession is my lifesize replica statue of Baby Yoda.

Tell us a bit about the company you work at.

I work for Auroch Digital, which is an indie game studio based in Bristol UK. We specialise in strategy, simulation, and digital tabletop games. We also have an interest in making games that relate to and deal with real-world issues. The studio works on original titles, partnerships, and work-for-hire projects.

How long have you been with the company, and how did you land this job?

I’ve been at Auroch Digital for almost 2 years and I absolutely love it. Having worked on the other side of games, for gaming websites and magazines, I made the move over to the development side and it suits me much better. I found out about the role from the Bristol Games Hub newsletter. I applied and was well suited to the role due to my previous experience in games, as well as my own passion for gaming and marketing.

Was the fact that it had to do with video games an added incentive?

Yes, definitely. I’ve worked in the games industry for around 6 years now and being such an avid gamer outside of work means I inherently have a passion and interest in what I do. It makes it easy to get up every day and do my job because it’s what I love and care about.

Does your educational background match your position in the gaming industry?

Not really, I did a degree in History and English as these are two of my other passions. I learnt a lot of skills during my degree that I use in my current employment such as writing, researching, and presentations, but it didn’t directly lead to my current role. I also don’t have any marketing qualifications as I chose to do an entry-level marketing position and work my way up.

Gaming Habits

Do you play video games yourself, or have you played them in the past growing up?

Yep, I play games every day. I started gaming when I was about 4 years old when my uncle gave me one of his consoles, and I’ve loved them ever since. My partner is also a games developer at a different studio and a huge gaming fan. I’m very lucky that we are both into the same games so we play together all the time.

What is your preferred video game console or handheld device to play games on?

It depends on what games I’m playing. I like my Switch for when I’m travelling or away from home, I like PlayStation for adventure games and co-op games, and if I’m playing strategy games or World of Warcraft I use my PC.

What is your favourite gaming genre and why, and what is the game you are currently playing?

I play a lot of different games and genres. Rather than having a favourite genre, I just really love any game with a well-told story. Games are such an amazing medium for storytelling and I think there is so much more we can do here. I always have a few games on the go. Currently, I’m playing Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart, as well as Operation: Tango, and I’m also replaying Ori and the Will of the Wisps, one of my all-time favourite series.

Women in the Gaming Industry

Do you feel the gaming industry is still very much male-dominated, or do you think that has changed or is changing?

This has changed a lot even just in the short time I’ve been part of the games industry. I have met and made friends with so many different people in games and from all different backgrounds. It’s wonderful to see the industry getting more diverse.

Do you think a woman has a different approach when it comes to making a video game?

I think everyone has something different to bring to gaming; a point of view that is unique to them. This helps towards making a variety of games that mean different things to different people. Therefore, it can only be a good thing to have a wider diversity of people coming into gaming, whatever their gender.

What advice would you give girls who have a dream to one day have a job in the gaming industry?

My best advice would be to give themselves as many opportunities as possible. It took me a few tries to get my first role in marketing and then work into games, but I was persistent through any setbacks. Talk to people, keep an eye out, and develop your skills whilst you look and apply for the roles you’re not sure you will get — especially those! Look for those opportunities as you never know which ones will turn out to be your lucky break.

If you could be a character in a game, which one would it be and why?

I’d be Lara Croft. I idolised her when I was growing up, she’s so strong and badass, always going on adventures. There weren’t many women like that in games when I was younger, especially awesome action adventure ones. I still think she’s awesome and would love to be Lara for a day, tearing through the jungle.

Many thanks to Jemima for agreeing to take part in our Ladies in Gaming Biz interviews!