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In this episode, TaSh Elzie sits down with Elena Siegman, the metal vocalist and game developer whose work helped define a generation of gaming music. Best known as the voice behind some of the most iconic songs in Call of Duty Zombies, including the gold-certified anthem "115" which has surpassed 100 million Spotify streams, Elena's work spans major franchises including Guitar Hero, BioShock, and Destiny. TaSh and Elena dig into how music functions as worldbuilding in games, what it meant to be part of something that continues to resonate with players years later, and what the path looks like for someone trying to find their place at the intersection of music and game development. They also talk about Elena's new single "The Source" via her own label Dollbreath Records, a powerful, emotionally charged track about radical acceptance and reclaimed power, mixed by Pete Adams (Kendrick Lamar, Call of Duty). For gamers, music lovers, and anyone building a creative career where games and art meet, this one is for you. ABOUT ELENA SIEGMAN Elena Siegman is a singer, songwriter, and game developer whose work spans major franchises including Call of Duty, Guitar Hero, BioShock, and Destiny. Known for her powerful and emotionally dynamic vocal performances, she has built a global following that bridges gaming and alternative music. Her solo work explores a dark, cinematic sound that moves fluidly across genres, blending industrial, rock, and singer-songwriter influences. She released her debut solo EP, The Mighty, in 2011. Her current series of releases marks a new phase of independent, self-directed work through her label Dollbreath. Find Elena Music video: youtu.be/IPxLvJX2BFE Spotify: open.spotify.com/artist/6BlZkvGwQyo011poQEhQ1J Dollbreath Records: dollbreath.com Stay Connected with Women in Games International Website: getwigi.com Social: @getWIGI

In this episode, TaSh Elzie sits down with Mannat Jain, Co-Founder of Kalp Studio, where she leads business, operations, and narrative. A lifelong gamer with a background in Data Science from IIT Madras, Mannat combines business acumen, storytelling, and creative strategy to build culturally rooted games with global appeal. She previously launched a mobile game called Kai and has grown a creator community of 120K+ followers. Together, TaSh and Mannat explore the creative process behind Raahi, a cozy narrative driving game set in the fictional coastal town of Majili, inspired by 1990s Goa. They dig into why the cozy genre is such a natural home for culturally specific storytelling, how authenticity and specificity work together rather than against each other, and what it takes to build a game where the journey rather than the objectives is the point. As Mannat puts it: "Cultural specificity is never a problem if the story is authentic." For anyone building narrative games, thinking about representation in their work, or just curious about what it looks like to create something this personal and have it travel globally — this one is for you. Mannat Jain is the Co-Founder of Kalp Studio, where she leads business, operations, and narrative. A lifelong gamer inspired by Quantum of Solace, she believes games are the most immersive way to experience stories and perspectives. With a background in Data Science from IIT Madras, experience in marketing at SCRIBBLES, internships at EY, a 120K+ creator community, and the launch of her first mobile game Kai, she combines business, storytelling, and creative strategy to build culturally rooted games with global appeal. Find Mannat & Kalp Studio Raahi on Steam: store.steampowered.com/app/4203810/Raahi Instagram: instagram.com/kalp.play Discord: discord.gg/UqMnxKHuM LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/mannatjain Stay Connected with Women in Games International Website: getwigi.com Social: @getWIGI

In this episode, TaSh Elzie sits down with Rupali Sharma, Group PM at k-ID and product leader with over a decade of experience building safe, ethical, family-focused digital experiences across EA, Take-Two Interactive, and beyond.This conversation covers two things that belong together: what the product career path actually looks like and how to navigate it, and why trust and safety has to be a core product decision from day one rather than something you solve at the end. They also dig into what indie developers can do right now, without a dedicated safety team, to start building more responsibly from the start.For PMs, designers, engineers, and founders who want to build responsibly and find their right seat at the table, this one is for you.

In this episode, TaSh Elzie sits down with Claire Rozain — CEO of Rzain, founder of SisterSoundFR, and the community architect behind a 900+ member network of gaming leaders spanning 40+ countries. Claire has scaled user acquisition past $1M/month for top gaming and AI companies, held leadership roles at Rovio, Match Group, and Mappy, and launched her own business before turning 30. Through SisterSoundFR, Claire has built a portfolio of over ten apps — from cycle-adapted fitness to feminist educational quizzes — designed to empower women and educate everyone. In this conversation, she and TaSh explore what it actually means to build safe, inclusive spaces in gaming and tech, why the industry can't afford to keep treating gender equality as optional, and how values-aligned work translates into real business performance. This one is for the builders, the community managers, and anyone who has ever had to make the case that inclusion is strategy. Find Claire: LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/claire-rozain Rzain Community Events: https://lu.ma/jsdopqgp Stay connected with Women in Games International: getwigi.com | @getWIGI

We took the Women in Games International Power Leveling series offline for our very first in-person session at GDC. Joined by co-host Mike Knox and an incredible group of individuals, we skip the standard networking advice and discuss the reality of navigating this industry. We break down the mechanics of advocacy, the power of authentic storytelling, and exactly how to move past transactional networking to build a true foundation of care in gaming spaces. Co-Host & Guests Mike Knox (Co-Host) Ariana Katana Ioana Preda Alissa Brodsky Nathaly Setareh Kalantar Cuellar Key Takeaways & Action Items Practice curiosity in networking events to foster real relationships. Share your authentic story to build genuine connections rather than relying on job titles. Actively advocate for diversity and inclusion in the spaces where you hold access. Key Topics Advocacy and Curiosity in Gaming Spaces The Role of Storytelling in Diversity and Inclusion Challenges of Representation and Bias in Gaming Building Community and Safe Spaces for Marginalized Groups

In this episode of Cheat Codes, TaSh Elzie sits down with PR and marketing veteran Elizabeth Olson to discuss the reality of crowdfunding. Elizabeth brings her years of industry experience to a conversation that moves past the hype and into the actual work required to run a campaign. Having worked together on two separate projects, TaSh and Elizabeth explore the strategic friction between satisfying a community of backers and managing press relations. This is a look at the mental toll, the necessity of pre-campaign planning, and tips on when to launch. Guest: Elizabeth Olson www.linkedin.com/in/ebetho/  Host: TaSh Elzie

In this conversation, TaSh Elzie and Mayanna Berrin explore the intricacies of game writing, discussing the transition from animation to video games, the importance of improvisation, and the collaborative nature of game development. Mayanna shares insights on writing for games, tips for solo developers, and the unique aspects of storytelling in the gaming medium. They also touch on the role of games in uniting people and the importance of finding one's voice in writing.

Join host TaSh as she chats with Victoria Tran, a renowned voice in the gaming world, known for her incredible work in community and marketing, and author of a new book. This episode dives into the power of efficient community management for marketing your game, how we can foster truly supportive and kind spaces online, and how community managers can feel empowered and effective.

Join host TaSh as she dives into the world of game creation with Renee Gittins, CEO and Creative Director of Stumbling Cat. This episode is for the curious and anyone looking for a place to begin their own game-making adventure. Renee shares insights on sparking game ideas, building your essential development "squad," navigating the challenges from concept to release, and the power of transparency when sharing your creative process with the world.  In this episode, we chat about: The Genesis of an Idea: How Potions: A Curious Tale came to be, and how to nurture that initial spark into a full-fledged game idea. Building Your Squad: The art of assembling the right team for your game project and finding your development "squad." Navigating the Development Journey: Overcoming the challenges that arise from ideation to getting your game released. The Power of Transparency: Renee's unique approach to sharing the game development process openly and what she's learned from it. The Role of Kindness: Why fostering a kind and supportive environment is crucial in game development and beyond. First Steps for Aspiring Creators: Practical advice for those looking to begin their own game-making adventure. Guest: Renee Gittins, CEO & Creative Director, Stumbling Cat Check out Renee's game: Learn more about Potions: A Curious Tale at https://potionsacurioustale.com/

In this episode, TaSh discusses the intersection of mental health and the gaming industry, sharing personal experiences with anxiety and the challenges of feeling both overworked and underpaid. She emphasizes the importance of community and connection in navigating these challenges, encouraging listeners to seek out supportive spaces and to name the issues they face in order to foster change.

This episode of Cheat Codes dives into the power of gaming as a force for good! Host TaSh sits down with Savannah Badalich and Jessica Murrey to explore World Reborn, an innovative game that blends storytelling, behavioral science, and a whole lot of heart. Get ready for a conversation that challenges how we think about games, focusing on player empowerment, real-world impact, and building a community that celebrates self-belief. World Reborn Game Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OApQYr0WgxQ

This episode of Cheat Codes dives into the powerful community of women in the gaming industry. TaSh shares insights from GDC, where she connected with over 20 leaders, and explores their experiences, challenges, and the impact of community support. This isn't your typical industry chat; it's a real talk about representation, creating change, and the strength of women supporting women.A huge thank you to all of our guests featured on this episode: Jessica Flor, Alina Matson, Zoe Curnoe, Tina Merry, Carmen DeMint, Mari Yalong, Emily Bailey, Toni Phillips, Carina Kom, Kate Mitchell, Terry Redfield, Shagufta Khan, Kay Arutyunyan, Jessica Murrey, Lisa Kretshmer, Catherine Barbeau, Carolina Ellis, Nicole Stephan Smith, Kay Chan, Lera Nyukalova, & Becka McIntosh.Follow WIGI on our socials! @getwigiTwitter: https://twitter.com/GETWIGI Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/getwigi/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/getWIGI/Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/getwigiAbout WIGI: Women in Games International (WIGI) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit with a mission to cultivate resources to advance economic equality and normalize diversity in the global games industry. Through knowledge sharing, access to technology, professional development workshops, and mentorship programs, WIGI works to normalize women, femme-identifying, and nonbinary professionals in the gaming industry by eliminating barriers and increasing access and opportunities for all.

Ever wondered how to turn online connections into real-life friendships and opportunities? On this episode of Cheat Codes, we're cracking the code with Parker, the communications mastermind from Women in Games International and IGDA. We'll explore the secrets to building inclusive online spaces, fostering a sense of belonging, and translating those virtual bonds into IRL meetups, collaborations, and career growth.

Join host TaSh in a celebratory episode marking the 20th anniversary of Women in Games International (WIGI). Special guest Joanie Kraut, CEO of WIGI, shares her insights on the organization's journey and impact on the gaming industry. They delve into WIGI's mission, highlighting the importance of mentorship, community, and actionable resources for career development. Tune in to discover the exciting future initiatives and ambitious fundraising goals that will shape the next chapter of WIGI's story. https://www.getwigi.com/20th  https://givebutter.com/WIGI20th

In this episode, host TaSh interviews Charmaine Duff, founder of Women-Led Games and producer at Pancake Game Studio. They discuss the challenges women face in the gaming industry, the importance of visibility and representation, and the role of community support. Charmaine shares her journey in creating Women-Led Games as a response to the cancellation of a women's day event and highlights the need for funding and visibility for women developers. They also touch on the significance of angel investing in promoting diversity in gaming and express hope for a future where women are more represented in the industry. Resources: https://www.womenledgames.com/ https://www.playcap.gg/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/charmaine-duff-35b153178/