The non-profit organisation Women in Games has launched its 2026 Manifesto, a strategic call to action designed to address the persistent gender disparity within the global games industry.
Despite women making up nearly half of the global gaming population, they currently represent less than a third of the professional workforce. The new document frames gender equity not as corporate charity, but as a fundamental strategic necessity for the future of game development, innovation, and cultural sustainability.
The manifesto identifies 14 core reasons why empowering women is critical to the sector’s health, ranging from creative diversity to long-term economic stability. Alongside the policy document, the organisation has introduced Women in Games Voices: The Living Guide, a dynamic platform that amplifies the lived experiences of women across the industry through various media, including podcasts, essays, and educational resources.
Dr Marie-Claire Isaaman, CEO of Women in Games, said in a statement:
Progress does not happen by accident – it happens when people come together with clarity, courage, and purpose. The Women in Games Manifesto (PDF link) is a living commitment to rebalancing the scales and ensuring that women are not only part of the future of games, but are helping to design it. As the industry looks toward futures shaped by AI, virtual worlds, and the metaverse, who builds those systems matters.”
The initiative arrives at a challenging time for the industry, which continues to grapple with documented pay disparities, a lack of representation in senior leadership, and ongoing concerns about workplace safety. The 2026 Manifesto organises its response across five “spheres of action”: Industry, Education, Policy, Community, and Culture. By partnering with corporate entities, educational institutions, and individual ambassadors, the organisation aims to drive systemic change from the classroom to the boardroom.
For those looking to support women in the arts or explore the cultural history of the medium, curated collections of gaming literature and official merchandise can be found at specialist retailers like Forbidden Planet or Just Geek.
