Tatiana Simonovici – shaping inclusive game dev

Futuregames q&a

With organizing empowering Women in Games (WIG) Ambassador breakfasts to connecting peers and mentors across borders, Tatiana is combining technical growth with community leadership. We spoke with Tatiana about her journey at Futuregames and her vision for the next generation of women in games.

Tatiana Simonovici’s path to the game dev world came via the dance floor and the classroom.

– I’m originally from Ukraine. I earned a Bachelor’s degree in English Language, with a focus on teaching practice. During my final year of studies, I began working as a dance teacher in my hometown, Chernivtsi, with a small group of girls. In addition, I conducted dance workshops at various festivals such as Tavale, as well as at smaller local events in my city. I dedicated 15 years to dance, which taught me a great deal – from organizing and collaboration to the importance of teamwork. Later on, I worked as an English teacher with children aged 6 to 12.

What inspired you to apply to Futuregames?

– I applied to Futuregames to gain specialized knowledge and experience from a highly respected program in the field. It was also a great opportunity to collaborate with like-minded students, as we complete four game projects during the program.

“It pushes to expand skills and think creatively”

How would you describe your experience at Futuregames so far?

– I like the program because we have various lectures from industry professionals who explain the latest tools and technologies used in game development. The learning environment is challenging, yet rewarding, as it pushes us to expand our skills and think creatively. I also appreciate the positive impact of teamwork during the game projects.

 Could you share your experience arranging the WIG Ambassadors breakfast? 

– After becoming an ambassador in January, I organized a breakfast event to bring Polish ambassadors together at the Warsaw campus. The goal was to foster support among women in the industry and help build a stronger, more connected community. First I had to find polish ambassadors via LinkedIn and bring them in one chat so they could communicate and cooperate with each other. I invited them to Futuregames Warsaw to connect, but most importantly to inspire younger girls and students at Futuregames, as they can share experiences and encourage self-belief.

Who has attended the breakfasts and what has the reactions been like?

– Reactions have been very positive, and the girls eagerly supported the initiative. We invited mostly Polish ambassadors, along with one guest WIG ambassador from Greece, Elena Dimopoulou. Other attendees included Alexander Lomonosov, Gameplay Designer at CDPR; Ewelina Słowik from SPERASOFT; students; and mentors. I believe even more game industry professionals will attend future events, as the girls are likely to bring additional guests.

Inspiration and empowerment

In your opinion, why are events like the WIG Ambassadors breakfast important?

– Events like the WIG (Women in Games) Ambassadors breakfast are incredibly important for several reasons:

Networking and community building. These connections can lead to mentorship, collaboration, and new career opportunities, which are essential for personal and professional growth.

Inspiration and empowerment. Such events can inspire attendees by showcasing successful role models and sharing stories of overcoming challenges.

Advocacy for diversity and inclusion. The breakfast event serves as a platform for discussing issues related to gender equality and diversity within the gaming industry.

Knowledge sharing. In this event industry experts can share their insights and experiences. This helps attendees stay informed about trends, opportunities, and challenges in the gaming industry, empowering them with knowledge they can apply to their careers.

What are your aspirations or plans for the future?

– In the future, I would like to help strengthen the Polish WIG community with the shared goal of empowering, inspiring, and supporting young girls who are just starting out in the game industry and don’t know where to begin.