Episode Topic
Video Games with Ella Lowgren (she/they)and Isabella Verduci (she/her)
Hosted by
Darcie Bendelle-Gilovitz (she/her) andBella Fantasia (she/her)
The Inclusive Lens podcast is a 6 part series, unpacking representation and exploring realities for women and genderdiverse people with disabilities in the media.
This podcast was developed by WDV's Youth Experts by Experience Group, who bring their lived experience andexpertise to lead discussions about inclusion, representation and social change.
In each episode, different Youth Experts are joined by professionals of a particular media industry, to examine portrayals of disability, and highlight opportunities for more authentic, diverse and inclusive storytelling.
In this second episode of the Inclusive Lens, we are joined by game developers Ella Lowgren and Isabella Verduci. We unpack what it’s like for women and gender diverse people in such a stereotypically male dominated space, discuss the accessibility of different types of games and game settings, how adaptive technology can remove barriers for people with physical disabilities, and explore the challenges that game developers face when creating accessible games.
Ella Lowgren is a creative director, whose work explores how games look, feel, and play. Many of Ella’s games centre on mental health and neurodivergence - using games as a medium to explore experiences that are often hard to talk about directly.
They are also active on TikTok and Instagram. Content often covers how to actually play video games, ADHD and gaming more broadly.
In her work with female led Lumelli studios, IsabellaVerduci covers many roles, including creative development, sound design, and digital marketing. Her favourite games include anything with the word ‘Pokemon’ on the cover. Isabella is passionate about spotlighting independent developers and making the games industry more accessible and engaging.
Key Topics
00:00 – Introduction
02:50 – What do we mean by "accessible games"?
12:35 – Why representation of experiences around gender and disability matters
17:50 – Gaming as a traditional and stereotypical male dominated space.
19:16 – Personal experiences of sexism and bias in the industry.
28:24 – Sexualisation and objectification of female characters
33:06 – Safety, online and in person
41:45 – Adaptive technology
43:08 – Gaps in funding and expertise
51:50 – Value of independent games
Content warnings
As the Inclusive Lens podcast is about having respectful conversations, and encouraging greater awareness, inclusion and opportunities, this podcast series will include discussions about disability discrimination, and experiences of exclusion.
This episode also includes stories that mention:
- Death threats
- Harassment
Resources, references and links
Episode transcripts and more info can be found at The Inclusive Lens Podcast -Women with Disabilities Victoria
Follow Ella’s work
Instagram – Ella Lowgren
LinkedIn – Gabriella Lowgren
TikTok– Ella Lowgren
Steam - Games developed by Bedtime phobias.
Follow Isabella’s work
Instagram - @pokibun__
LinkedIn – Isabella Verduci
Website - Lumelli Studios
Steam – Play Foodomina on Steam
Other resources:
eSafetyCommissioner- https://www.esafety.gov.au/
Stats from Deloitte Centre for Technology, Media and Telecommunications and The Interactive Games & Entertainment Association
Acknowledgements and credits
This podcast series was produced by Women with Disabilities Victoria and our Youth Experts by Experience team.
The team is funded by the Australian Government’s Department of Health, Disability and Ageing.
This project was also partly funded through the Victorian Women’s Benevolent Trust.
This episode was recorded on the lands of the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung people.
Always was, always will be, Aboriginal Land.
Credits:
Recording and sound production: Humdinger Studios
Post Production: Ben Compton
Music: Darcie Bendelle-Gilovitz
Artwork: Charlotte Grimes
