Women in Games Ambassadors at Keywords Studios: Nicole Closson
We recently caught up with Nicole Closson, Business Development Manager at Keywords Studios, to discuss her role as a Women in Games Ambassador, her journey into the video games industry and more.
Can you tell us a little bit about yourself and your role at Keywords Studios?
I grew up in Los Gatos, California. I’ve spent the last six years in the software sales space with three of those years focused on the video games industry. I have the privilege to work for some of the best external development studios at Keywords Studios where I collaborate with clients and partners to deliver the right solutions for their requirements.
I work with small indie dev shops all the way to AAA studios with games aging from 10-20 years & beyond. Outside of work, I enjoy surfing with my family in Santa Cruz, choreographing music videos with friends, and eating almost anything and everything in sight!
What first inspired you towards a career in the video games industry?
My passion for working with creatives inspired me to lean towards building a career in the video games industry. After three years working in software security sales, a sales leader introduced me to the world of games, and I haven’t looked back since I started in this industry.
What does being a Women in Games Ambassador mean to you?
Establishing myself as a Women in Games Ambassador has been an important part of my career because it has allowed me a safe space to share my story with like-minded women. I’ve always worked in male-dominated industries, and I love helping women find their voice in places where it might not have always been heard.
Are there any specific industry issues you are seeking to address in your activities as an Ambassador?
There is not a specific industry issue I hope to address rather I strive to build a strong, safe, and collaborative community for women to learn and grow with one another. Brilliant things happen when women feel empowered and comfortable to be themselves.
Have you noticed any signs of progress in the industry since you started, in terms of the number of women in leadership roles?
Absolutely! My boss is an outstanding example of this. She has gone through every stage of the Business Development role and now leads the entire global Business Development team here at Keywords. It is women like herself that are paving the way for people like me in the industry. I’m incredibly grateful to have the person I aspire to be lead me every day.
What advice would you give to women considering a career in the video games industry?
Keep making friends. This industry is small, just like any, so the more people you have on your side, the stronger, more confident you will become.
About Women in Games:
Keywords Studios is proud to partner with Women in Games. The purpose of Women in Games is to advance a fair, equal and safe environment that empowers girls and women in the global gaming ecosystem.
Its vision is to create an environment which enables full equity of opportunity, treatment and conditions, empowering all girls and women – of any ethnicity, orientation and background – to achieve their full potential in games and esports. By investing in women and girls, Women in Games believes it will be instrumental in influencing positive societal change – with significant benefits for the games industry around the world.
Women in Games is a not-for-profit organisation with a global community.
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