
The Very Secret Society of Women in Games is not a network but a free-of-charge mentoring program

In a competitive industry like the video game industry, self-marketing plays an even bigger role in standing out. Research suggests1,2,3,4 that women often underestimate their abilities, while men are more likely to overestimate theirs. This discrepancy in self-assessment can influence confidence levels and professional opportunities. Therefore, the TVSSoWiG is seeking to address these issues faced by women entering the video games industry by starting early on – University students – because we need women to lead so they can enrich creativity and innovation in an industry that lacks diversity.
TVSSoWiG is about helping young women find the confidence in their skills & themselves

Target Group:
This initiative focuses on young, ambitious women studying Humanities and Philosophy who dream of making their mark in the fast-paced, ever-changing gaming industry. These women bring a unique combination of intellectual curiosity and creative passion, with the potential to redefine gaming as a medium that is both thought-provoking and culturally rich.
Humanities Students interested in Gaming:
Women in Humanities often underestimate the value of their skills, like critical thinking, storytelling, and cultural analysis. A lack of confidence can hold them back from exploring exciting roles in areas like User Research, Game Design, UX Design, and Narrative Design.
Dreaming Big:
With their academic backgrounds, these women aspire to break traditional molds and dive into the gaming world. Theyโre driven by a passion for crafting immersive stories, designing innovative gameplay, conducting player research, and managing creative projectsโall while bringing fresh perspectives to the table.
Why it matters:
Blending Humanities and Philosophy with gaming can transform the industry. These disciplines add depth to narratives, diversity to characters, and new perspectives to gameplay. By embracing this unique skill set, these women can help shape gaming into a more inclusive, thoughtful, and engaging art form.
Diversity in the gaming industry fosters innovation, inclusivity, and cultural relevance. When people from varied backgrounds contribute to game development, they bring fresh perspectives that enrich storytelling, expand player experiences, and ensure representation for wider audiences. Research shows that diverse teams are more creative and better at solving complex problems, which is crucial in the dynamic world of game design5.
Challenges and Opportunities:
Though the path from Humanities to gaming may seem unconventional, it offers immense opportunities. These womenโs ability to view game design and storytelling through a nuanced, intellectual lens gives them an edge in creating experiences that resonate deeply with players.
Active Mentors

Natali Panic-Cidic – User Researcher at Ubisoft Dรผsseldorf – AAA video game publisher and developer
Annick Vins – Senior Project Manager at Velti, Ex-Ubisoft Dรผsseldorf – Leading provider of Innovative AI-powered Mobile Marketing & Gaming

Request mentorship with Annick & Natali
The Very Secret Society of Women in Games Objectives
Objectives: (1) Mentorship, (2) Empowerment, (3) Skills recognition, (4) Self-Promotion, and (5) CV Feedback

This program is designed to help participants grow personally and professionally through mentorship, building confidence, recognizing their strengths, improving self-promotion skills, and refining their CVs.
1 – 1-on-1 Mentoring:
Personalized mentorship is the heart of this program. Participants will work directly with experienced professionals who provide guidance, share insights, and offer tailored advice. These one-on-one interactions create a supportive space for learning, idea exchange, and building valuable professional relationships.
2 – Empowerment:
The program focuses on helping participants feel confident and in control of their career paths. By encouraging them to recognize their potential and take charge of their growth, we aim to foster self-belief and provide tools to navigate challenges with assurance.
3 – Skills Recognition:
Recognizing participants’ existing skills is a key part of the process. By highlighting their strengths and accomplishments, the program boosts confidence and inspires further development, helping participants see the value they already bring to the table.
4 – Self-Marketing Skills:
Learning how to market oneself effectively is crucial for career success. This program teaches participants strategies to showcase their unique skills, experiences, and achievements, empowering them to stand out in their chosen fields.
5 – CV Feedback:
A strong, well-crafted CV is essential in todayโs job market. Participants will receive detailed feedback to help them create CVs that clearly and compellingly present their qualifications, achievements, and potential, positioning them for success in competitive industries.
Personal Interest

The name of this program draws inspiration from the enchanting book The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches by Sangu Mandanna. It reflects the programโs literary roots and pays homage to the Humanities, which also form the foundation of Natali Panic-Cidicโs background.
“Bend the world to your needs. Do not be bent by it.” – Natali Panic-Cidic
Natali, like many, faced the challenges of pursuing degrees in fields often deemed “impractical”โa B.A. in American and English Studies & Art History, followed by an M.A. in Literature and Linguistics. Yet, she defied expectations, finding her confidence in the world of video games. Through a mix of determination, creativity, and the โmagicโ of extracurricular projects, she carved out a space for herself where her academic and creative passions intersect.
This program carries forward that spirit, encouraging women to blend their unique skills, academic backgrounds, and creativity to transform the gaming industryโand themselves.
Mentors Wanted

If you want to support Natali by becoming a mentor yourself, ping her on linkedin or write her an email natali.panic-cidic[@]ubisoft.com.
Credits
Background image credits: Simone Ferriero @simz.art until we have funding to hire a designer to help us create a visual identity.