Explore every episode of the podcast Cheat Codes: A Podcast Powered by WIGI

In this episode, TaSh Elzie sits down with Mannat Jain, Co-Founder of Kalp Studio, where she leads business, operations, and narrative. A lifelong gamer with a background in Data Science from IIT Madras, Mannat combines business acumen, storytelling, and creative strategy to build culturally rooted games with global appeal. She previously launched a mobile game called Kai and has grown a creator community of 120K+ followers.

Together, TaSh and Mannat explore the creative process behind Raahi, a cozy narrative driving game set in the fictional coastal town of Majili, inspired by 1990s Goa. They dig into why the cozy genre is such a natural home for culturally specific storytelling, how authenticity and specificity work together rather than against each other, and what it takes to build a game where the journey rather than the objectives is the point.

As Mannat puts it: "Cultural specificity is never a problem if the story is authentic."

For anyone building narrative games, thinking about representation in their work, or just curious about what it looks like to create something this personal and have it travel globally — this one is for you.

Mannat Jain is the Co-Founder of Kalp Studio, where she leads business, operations, and narrative. A lifelong gamer inspired by Quantum of Solace, she believes games are the most immersive way to experience stories and perspectives. With a background in Data Science from IIT Madras, experience in marketing at SCRIBBLES, internships at EY, a 120K+ creator community, and the launch of her first mobile game Kai, she combines business, storytelling, and creative strategy to build culturally rooted games with global appeal.

Find Mannat & Kalp Studio

• Raahi on Steam: store.steampowered.com/app/4203810/Raahi

• Instagram: instagram.com/kalp.play

• Discord: discord.gg/UqMnxKHuM

• LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/mannatjain

Stay Connected with Women in Games International

• Website: getwigi.com

• Social: @getWIGI

In this episode, TaSh Elzie sits down with Rupali Sharma, Group PM at k-ID and product leader with over a decade of experience building safe, ethical, family-focused digital experiences across EA, Take-Two Interactive, and beyond.This conversation covers two things that belong together: what the product career path actually looks like and how to navigate it, and why trust and safety has to be a core product decision from day one rather than something you solve at the end. They also dig into what indie developers can do right now, without a dedicated safety team, to start building more responsibly from the start.For PMs, designers, engineers, and founders who want to build responsibly and find their right seat at the table, this one is for you.

In this episode, TaSh Elzie sits down with Claire Rozain — CEO of Rzain, founder of SisterSoundFR, and the community architect behind a 900+ member network of gaming leaders spanning 40+ countries. Claire has scaled user acquisition past $1M/month for top gaming and AI companies, held leadership roles at Rovio, Match Group, and Mappy, and launched her own business before turning 30.

Through SisterSoundFR, Claire has built a portfolio of over ten apps — from cycle-adapted fitness to feminist educational quizzes — designed to empower women and educate everyone. In this conversation, she and TaSh explore what it actually means to build safe, inclusive spaces in gaming and tech, why the industry can't afford to keep treating gender equality as optional, and how values-aligned work translates into real business performance.

This one is for the builders, the community managers, and anyone who has ever had to make the case that inclusion is strategy.

Find Claire:

• LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/claire-rozain

• Rzain Community Events: https://lu.ma/jsdopqgp

Stay connected with Women in Games International:

• getwigi.com | @getWIGI

We took the Women in Games International Power Leveling series offline for our very first in-person session at GDC. Joined by co-host Mike Knox and an incredible group of individuals, we skip the standard networking advice and discuss the reality of navigating this industry. We break down the mechanics of advocacy, the power of authentic storytelling, and exactly how to move past transactional networking to build a true foundation of care in gaming spaces.

Co-Host & Guests

• Mike Knox (Co-Host)

• Ariana Katana

• Ioana Preda

• Alissa Brodsky

• Nathaly Setareh Kalantar Cuellar

Key Takeaways & Action Items

• Practice curiosity in networking events to foster real relationships.

• Share your authentic story to build genuine connections rather than relying on job titles.

• Actively advocate for diversity and inclusion in the spaces where you hold access.

Key Topics

• Advocacy and Curiosity in Gaming Spaces

• The Role of Storytelling in Diversity and Inclusion

• Challenges of Representation and Bias in Gaming

• Building Community and Safe Spaces for Marginalized Groups

In this episode of Cheat Codes, TaSh Elzie sits down with PR and marketing veteran Elizabeth Olson to discuss the reality of crowdfunding. Elizabeth brings her years of industry experience to a conversation that moves past the hype and into the actual work required to run a campaign. Having worked together on two separate projects, TaSh and Elizabeth explore the strategic friction between satisfying a community of backers and managing press relations. This is a look at the mental toll, the necessity of pre-campaign planning, and tips on when to launch.

Guest: Elizabeth Olson www.linkedin.com/in/ebetho/ 

Host: TaSh Elzie

In this conversation, TaSh Elzie and Mayanna Berrin explore the intricacies of game writing, discussing the transition from animation to video games, the importance of improvisation, and the collaborative nature of game development. Mayanna shares insights on writing for games, tips for solo developers, and the unique aspects of storytelling in the gaming medium. They also touch on the role of games in uniting people and the importance of finding one's voice in writing.

Join host TaSh as she chats with Victoria Tran, a renowned voice in the gaming world, known for her incredible work in community and marketing, and author of a new book. This episode dives into the power of efficient community management for marketing your game, how we can foster truly supportive and kind spaces online, and how community managers can feel empowered and effective.

Join host TaSh as she dives into the world of game creation with Renee Gittins, CEO and Creative Director of Stumbling Cat. This episode is for the curious and anyone looking for a place to begin their own game-making adventure. Renee shares insights on sparking game ideas, building your essential development "squad," navigating the challenges from concept to release, and the power of transparency when sharing your creative process with the world. 

In this episode, we chat about:

• The Genesis of an Idea: How Potions: A Curious Tale came to be, and how to nurture that initial spark into a full-fledged game idea.

• Building Your Squad: The art of assembling the right team for your game project and finding your development "squad."

• Navigating the Development Journey: Overcoming the challenges that arise from ideation to getting your game released.

• The Power of Transparency: Renee's unique approach to sharing the game development process openly and what she's learned from it.

• The Role of Kindness: Why fostering a kind and supportive environment is crucial in game development and beyond.

• First Steps for Aspiring Creators: Practical advice for those looking to begin their own game-making adventure.

Guest: Renee Gittins, CEO & Creative Director, Stumbling Cat

Check out Renee's game: Learn more about Potions: A Curious Tale at https://potionsacurioustale.com/ 

In this episode, TaSh discusses the intersection of mental health and the gaming industry, sharing personal experiences with anxiety and the challenges of feeling both overworked and underpaid. She emphasizes the importance of community and connection in navigating these challenges, encouraging listeners to seek out supportive spaces and to name the issues they face in order to foster change.

This episode of Cheat Codes dives into the power of gaming as a force for good! Host TaSh sits down with Savannah Badalich and Jessica Murrey to explore World Reborn, an innovative game that blends storytelling, behavioral science, and a whole lot of heart. Get ready for a conversation that challenges how we think about games, focusing on player empowerment, real-world impact, and building a community that celebrates self-belief.

World Reborn Game Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OApQYr0WgxQ

This episode of Cheat Codes dives into the powerful community of women in the gaming industry. TaSh shares insights from GDC, where she connected with over 20 leaders, and explores their experiences, challenges, and the impact of community support. This isn't your typical industry chat; it's a real talk about representation, creating change, and the strength of women supporting women.A huge thank you to all of our guests featured on this episode: Jessica Flor, Alina Matson, Zoe Curnoe, Tina Merry, Carmen DeMint, Mari Yalong, Emily Bailey, Toni Phillips, Carina Kom, Kate Mitchell, Terry Redfield, Shagufta Khan, Kay Arutyunyan, Jessica Murrey, Lisa Kretshmer, Catherine Barbeau, Carolina Ellis, Nicole Stephan Smith, Kay Chan, Lera Nyukalova, & Becka McIntosh.Follow WIGI on our socials! @getwigiTwitter: https://twitter.com/GETWIGI Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/getwigi/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/getWIGI/Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/getwigiAbout WIGI: Women in Games International (WIGI) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit with a mission to cultivate resources to advance economic equality and normalize diversity in the global games industry. Through knowledge sharing, access to technology, professional development workshops, and mentorship programs, WIGI works to normalize women, femme-identifying, and nonbinary professionals in the gaming industry by eliminating barriers and increasing access and opportunities for all.

Ever wondered how to turn online connections into real-life friendships and opportunities? On this episode of Cheat Codes, we're cracking the code with Parker, the communications mastermind from Women in Games International and IGDA. We'll explore the secrets to building inclusive online spaces, fostering a sense of belonging, and translating those virtual bonds into IRL meetups, collaborations, and career growth.

Join host TaSh in a celebratory episode marking the 20th anniversary of Women in Games International (WIGI). Special guest Joanie Kraut, CEO of WIGI, shares her insights on the organization's journey and impact on the gaming industry. They delve into WIGI's mission, highlighting the importance of mentorship, community, and actionable resources for career development. Tune in to discover the exciting future initiatives and ambitious fundraising goals that will shape the next chapter of WIGI's story.

• https://www.getwigi.com/20th 

• https://givebutter.com/WIGI20th

In this episode, host TaSh interviews Charmaine Duff, founder of Women-Led Games and producer at Pancake Game Studio. They discuss the challenges women face in the gaming industry, the importance of visibility and representation, and the role of community support. Charmaine shares her journey in creating Women-Led Games as a response to the cancellation of a women's day event and highlights the need for funding and visibility for women developers. They also touch on the significance of angel investing in promoting diversity in gaming and express hope for a future where women are more represented in the industry.

Resources:

https://www.womenledgames.com/

https://www.playcap.gg/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/charmaine-duff-35b153178/

The gaming industry's recent layoffs have hit us hard. It's time to talk about bias in hiring and how we can fight back. Join your host,TaSh, and industry veteran Christina-Marie Drake as they unpack the challenges, share stories of resilience, and equip you with tools to navigate this tough landscape. From networking hacks to skill-building, this episode is packed with actionable advice to level up your career, even when the odds are stacked against you.

Join our host, Tash and Rachel Vrabec, CEO of Kanary, as they discuss challenges of being safe online.

Show resources:

• https://www.kanary.com/ 

To stay in the know with Women in Games International, please visit us at getwigi.com and subscribe to our newsletter. You can also find us on multiple social media platforms @getWIGI.

May is Mental Health Awareness Month and Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month. This month’s episode is a mental health check-in and a reminder that there is safety and support in the community. 

Show Resources: 

https://projectawr.com/

https://mhanational.org/mental-health-month/act

What is Women In Games International? Why do we do what we do?

For this week’s episode, TaSh sits down with WIGI’s Communications Manager, Chantelle Ouano, to talk about the passion behind our mission and the driving force that keeps us pushing forward.

Show resources:

https://givebutter.com/runforequality

Happy Women’s History Month! To quote Beyoncé, Who Runs the World? GIRLS! 

This episode features ⁠Marie Ablaza⁠, the fairy job mother and cozy games queen. We discuss some tips to stay true to yourself while navigating the gaming industry, staying encouraged during layoffs,  women who inspire us, and cozy games.

Show resources:

• ⁠linkedin.com/in/mariebenigno⁠

• ⁠https://thefairyandtheforce.com/⁠ 

Being a leader involves inspiring and guiding others towards a common goal, fostering a sense of unity and collaboration within a team. Are you a leader? The only correct answer is YES! Join us as we chat with Mike Knox about how to step into a leadership role and how to be an effective leader. 

Show resources:

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-knox/

• https://matteringlab.com/ 

Understanding AI requires us to analyze where it is and guide where it can go. Let's talk about algorithmic bias and some steps can can take to mitigate the damage it has caused. 

Some sites mentioned in the show:

https://www.credo.ai/

https://www.ajl.org/

https://www.codedbias.com/ 

Show sources:

• https://www.media.mit.edu/projects/gender-shades/overview/

• https://innocenceproject.org/when-artificial-intelligence-gets-it-wrong/

• https://www.ajl.org/

• https://www.reuters.com/article/us-amazon-com-jobs-automation-insight-idUSKCN1MK08G/ 

In 2004, actor Geena Davis founded the Geena Davis Institute on Gender in Media. It works to mitigate unconscious bias and fosters inclusion and equality in entertainment and media. It is one of the top global research-based organizations. Data-driven research educates others and empowers people like you and me who are trying to make some meaningful change. Everyone deserves to be seen. 

This episode features Madeline Di Nonno, president and CEO of the Geena Davis Institute on Gender in Media. We discuss why representation in video games matters and how you can help.

Site mentioned in the show:

https://seejane.org/research-informs-empowers/changing-the-narrative-why-representation-in-video-games-matters/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/geena-davis-institute-on-gender-in-media/

Increasing accessibility removes many barriers to entry. How do we build innovation in accessibility into the very foundation of what we are creating? Is this a question of empathy or resources?

Quote from Ana Teresa Mota, recruiter from RedCatPig Studio: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ana-teresa-mota/

With the recent news of layoffs in the gaming industry, it is tough not to feel discouraged - especially if you are currently seeking a job. So what can we do when it all feels so big? Where do we even begin? Here are five tips to help you find where to start and keep going.

Neurodivergent brains in the gaming space

How can we advocate for LGBTQIA+ representation and safe spaces?

In this episode of Cheat Codes, we are joined by the Head of Talent Acquisition at thatgamecompany, Christine Chua, to discuss how to navigate through the positive and negative discourse on social media and the internet as a whole.

In this episode of Cheat Codes, we will be navigating parasocial relationships in the gaming space with guest MamaTamago and host TaSh.

Let's take a deep dive into narrative design with guest Kate Welch and host TaSh.

In this episode of Cheat Codes, the second part of last month's episode "Storytelling in the Gaming Space", another important question arises, what is the first step in designing interactive stories? This topic is covered with guest speaker Athena Peters and host TaSh.

How do we plant the seed that grows into a videogame? In this Episode of Cheat Codes we discuss this with guest Speaker Pauliina Tornqvist and host TaSh

In this holiday special , we are joined by of Women In Games International's Communications Manger, Chantelle Ouano, and Senior Production Coordinator, Maxy Linazco, who discuss some of the most impactful episodes of Cheat Codes during 2022, their personal experience with these topics, and a special message from host TaSh.

In this Cheat Codes Episode we chat about the world wide web. It can be a scary place, from Gamer Gate to the bias of AI. Where are we and where are we going? We will be discussing all of this and more with host TaSh and guest Speaker Angelina Montanez UX Designer at UX DesignerUX Designer at ConciergeBot!

In this Cheat Codes Episode we'll be discussing how gaming concepts have changed the landscape of engineering, medicine, and other industries, with host TaSh! Part II

In this Cheat Codes Episode we'll be discussing how gaming concepts have changed the landscape of engineering, medicine, and other industries, with host TaSh!

We’re so excited for our upcoming Cheat Codes episode featuring WIGI board member: Alexander Fernandez (@starveup)!  We’ll be discussing actionable allyship and how it makes long term systemic change, with host TaSh

On this episode we are joined by Betsy Aoki (Microsoft) and Elisa Camahort Page (ElisaCP Consulting) to discuss the correlation between Gaming, Arts, and Activism, with host TaSh Elzie.

We are joined by The Coalition's technical director, Kate Rayner, to discuss Identity in the Gaming World, in this episode of Cheat Codes with host, TaSh Elzie.

We sit down with the Elf of Mental Health, a licensed therapist and adjunct professor,  Darshawn Hooker and game's researcher as well as founder and host of "Not Your Mama's Gamer" podcast, Samantha Blackmon, to discuss mental health and gaming in this month's episode of Cheat Codes, with host, TaSh Elzie.

We are joined by Author, Professor,  co-founder of AnyKey and all around gaming industry luminary T.L. Taylor to discuss the evolution of online gaming, the rise of online gaming and streaming and the fundamental rights of gamers as the industry evolves!

Introducing our Cheat Codes family to our new host, TaSh! 

We sit down with Kim Shatzner from Onward Play to discuss what recruiters are looking for in this new professional climate in 2022. Wondering what companies are looking for? Unsure what to focus on on your resume? Want to keep up with the hiring trends coming up this year?
We have you covered in this information packed episode! 

Jay and Jelyn from eternal.gg are here today to teach us about NFTs! Check out the first Eternal.gg / Women In Games International NFT pack!

Today we are joined by Amanda Solomon, CRO of Women in Games International to talk about how to communicate your boundaries effectively in different social settings. 

Alexander Fernandez of Streamline Media Group is here to chat about allyship and how to be an ally in the gaming space. 

In this episode Christina Wolfgram, founder of Crying is Cool @ https://cryingiscool.shop/, joins us to talk about setting healthy boundaries with ourselves. 

In today’s episode I sat down with Dr. Jenn Noble, a family psychologist specializing in mixed race identity to talk about phenotype, a word everyone should have in their vocabulary. Dr. Jenn works with families to help them understand the importance of mixed race identity, along with living the experience herself.

She shares her expertise on how to understand what it means to be mixed race, how to navigate hard conversations around personal identity vs. phenotype,  along with tips on creating a more inclusive environment in corporate settings for the mixed race people in your life.

In today’s episode we sat down with Grace Collins of Snowbright Studios to talk about Role-playing.

Grace started their career in the Department of Education within the gaming space under multiple presidential administrations before founding SnowBright Studios, an LGBTQ+ game studio dedicated to creating unique and heartwarming experiences for people of all ages and backgrounds.

We sat down and talked about the power of role-playing, specifically the ways Table Top RPGs give you room to practice the skills necessary to amplify your career.

In this episode, we sit down with Dedren Snead, founder of Subsume to talk about how important our context is to our story telling. Learn more about the Subsume Summit at www.subsumesummit.com

In this episode, we sit down with Careen Yapp, the Chair of Women in Games International, and Jameelah Bealum, our Vice Chair to bring you the ultimate cheat code in business: Networking. Whether you're moving up in your current career, or looking to transition your skillset to a new one, networking is THE way to break into any industry. Since 80% of gaming industry jobs are unlisted positions, we go over how to network, even if you're an introvert, where to network, along with other tips and tricks on leveling up your gaming career.