As many other industries, the games industry is going through challenging times, but one positive thing to lift a day like this is that more women are joining our industry. We still have a long way to go, but according to the latest Game Developer Index report from Dataspelsbranschen, 44% of new recruits in Sweden were women 2023.
Today, we put the spotlight on Ambar Troya, who started a game studio in Ecuador and now lives in Sweden 🇪🇨 🇸🇪
🔶 What is your occupation today?
Nowadays, I am a full-time student at Futuregames in Karlstad at the Game Artist program.
🔶 How come you chose this career path?
In 2012 something that I never imagined happening, happened! I got the opportunity to co-found an indie game studio with eleven passionate and talented people who wanted to make games in my home country, Ecuador. It took us many years of developing, since the games industry is not very strong there. Nonetheless, we launched the first Ecuadorian game, To Leave, which is now available for consoles and PC. After this, I decided to continue with this passion by improving my craft, and now in Sweden where I am surrounded by amazing video game studios and where this dream is possible.
🔶 What do you think is the reason more women chose to work with game development?
Personally, I think it is because it is a great medium to create connections not only with friends but family. I have so many fun memories with my sisters thanks to video games. Another reason is that we want to see more representation in games, so we can create other kinds of experiences that are more aligned with us and with a female perspective.
🔶 What will you be doing in five year’s time?
In five year’s I see myself being a lead artist with more knowledge of the technical side and helping my peers to pursue their dreams in the gaming industry. Maybe thinking of co-founding a new studio too.
Ambar Troya (Futuregames, Student Game Artist)