Women in Games, a UK-based not-for-profit organization, has unveiled its 2026 Manifesto to address gender imbalances in the video games industry. The document calls for systemic changes to empower women, who represent nearly half of players but less than a third of the workforce. It introduces new initiatives to amplify women's voices and foster partnerships across the sector.
Women in Games launched its 2026 Manifesto this past week, marking a bold call to action for rebalancing gender representation and fairness in the global video games industry. The UK-based organization highlights that while women comprise nearly half of all players, they account for fewer than a third of the industry's workforce. The manifesto outlines 14 core reasons why empowering women is essential, linking inclusive development to greater innovation, creativity, sustainability, and cultural impact.
A key component is the introduction of "Women in Games Voices: The Living Guide," an evolving platform that amplifies women's experiences through videos, podcasts, essays, and educational resources. This initiative builds on the organization's advocacy to create a dynamic global resource amid ongoing challenges such as pay disparities, limited leadership roles, workplace safety issues, and reduced visibility for women and gender-diverse professionals.
The manifesto structures its approach around five spheres of action: Industry, Education, Policy, Community, and Culture. It emphasizes partnership, collaborating with corporate, education, and individual ambassadors, as well as global chapters and networks, to drive change in studios, classrooms, boardrooms, and communities worldwide.
"Progress does not happen by accident – it happens when people come together with clarity, courage, and purpose," said Women in Games CEO Dr. Marie-Claire Isaaman. "The Women in Games Manifesto 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. Fairness is not charity — it is strategy. When women thrive, the industry thrives. This Manifesto is an invitation to the entire ecosystem to build a fair playing field together."
The full manifesto is available online as a PDF, positioning equality as a strategic necessity for the industry's future.
