Ep. 97: Gina Hara | Building a Kinder Game Industry with Gamerella

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of Creative Full Time, host Alison Mullings sits down with Gina Hara, co-director of Gamerella, an initiative that’s been shaping a more inclusive, supportive, and equitable gaming community since 2013.Gina shares her journey into the gaming world and how Gamerella began as a safe space for underrepresented voices in game development. We talk about what goes into organizing these unique game jam events, the mentorship program that helps new creators thrive, and the importance of kindness and empathy in an often competitive industry.If you’ve ever felt like you didn’t fit into traditional spaces in gaming or creative industries, this conversation will remind you that there is room for everyone and that community can be a catalyst for real change.More about Gamerella at www.gamerella.ca Chapters00:00 Introduction to Gamerella03:35 The Structure and Philosophy of Game Jams06:38 The Evolution of Gamerella09:49 Gina's Journey into Game Making12:22 Creating Inclusive Spaces in Gaming15:36 The Impact of Community and Mentorship18:34 Lessons Learned and Future Aspirations25:14 Gamerella: Bridging Communities Online and Offline26:26 Creating Welcoming Spaces for All27:54 Inspiring Stories: A Grandmother's Game Jam Journey29:41 Challenging Toxicity in Gaming Spaces30:50 Sponsorships and Support for Gamerella32:13 Innovative Mentorship Programs in Gaming35:33 Realities of the Gaming Industry39:22 The Co-Directors of Gamerella41:17 Advice to Younger Self: Embrace Your Passion44:36 Building Community and Family in Gaming