Episode 31: Trailblazer in Pixels: Mabel Addis and the Birth of Video Game Storytelling

This episode of Feminist Minutes dives into the overlooked legacy of Mabel Addis, the first female video game designer. In the 1960s, while working as an elementary school teacher, IBM invited Addis to develop an educational game, resulting in The Sumerian Game. This pioneering project not only introduced storytelling and character-driven narratives into video gaming but also laid the foundation for the genre of edutainment. Despite her groundbreaking work, Addis’s contributions remained largely unrecognized until recently. In a matter of minutes, we explore how she brought history and innovation together, crafting a game that taught economic theory through the role-playing experiences of ancient Mesopotamia. Her story is a testament to the power of creativity and the impact of women in the gaming industry, inspiring future generations of game designers and storytellers.