IWD Profile - Kelly

If you could please start by telling us about yourself, what games do you play, when did you start playing?

Hi, I'm Kelly, I first got into gaming with the magazine ‘PC Ace’, where we’d receive demos of different games and mini games to try.

I am a huge ‘The Sims’ fan and have played this game since the original Sims game was released. I still love playing the (retro?) games Sim Golf and Beach Life. I used to play Pokemon in my early 20s, when Soul Silver was released on the Nintendo DS. I’ve got back into playing Pokemon games since Sword and Shield was released.

I’m also a huge Just Dance fan!

I’m very proud of the fact I completed Mortal Combat on my relative’s Super Nintendo…before he did!

If you play a TCG what is your favourite deck, game format and card?

I don’t have a favourite deck as yet for the Pokemon TCG. I usually play the TCG online game. My favourite card is my Gengar Alt Art from Fusion Strike.

I have also began learning how to play Magic The Gathering.

Do you feel you find that more females are getting involved in gaming since you started playing?

Yes, definitely. The gaming industry has felt very ‘male’. It’s been reassuring to see and hear about more female gamers (through social media and streaming). Since creating my Instagram account, I have spoken to lots of great female gaming content creators. It’s becoming a much more supportive network for females.

Can you tell us about a gaming character or game developer who has inspired you and why?

Probably Robin Hunicke, one of the game designers of the original ‘The Sims’ at Maxis. She’s helped the gaming industry with ways for games to adjust difficulties to suit the individual players through her research, which is amazing for gaming experience!

What challenges do you think women face in the gaming world and How can the gaming community be changed to make it more inclusive for women?

Within the gaming world, women can still be objectified. For example, women who show off their bodies get more likes, and a larger following (mainly male). This does feel intimidating to other female gamers who just want to share their passion for the games that they play.

How do you see the future of women in gaming, both as players and as creators of games and gaming content?

I think the future for female gamers looks bright. I think women feel more confident to share their gaming passion - I know I do. Women are also becoming more confident at speaking out about issues they are experiencing in the gaming world.

I think we will see more females coming into the gaming industry - it’s exciting!

Please let us know how we can find the content you create, and what our readers can expect to see.

You can find me on Instagram, under the name Kelbreon. I post content about Pokemon Cards and Pokemon games…anything Pokémon related really!