5 Incredible Games Made by Women That You Need to Play

Women have played a huge role in shaping the gaming industry, yet their contributions don’t always get the recognition they deserve. From indie masterpieces to AAA blockbusters, female game developers have been behind some of the most innovative and memorable experiences in gaming.

To celebrate International Women’s Day, we’re shining a light on five amazing games led by women that have made a lasting impact on players worldwide.

Read more: Essential Games for Aspiring Video Game Students 

Portal – Kim Swift (Lead Designer)

Released: 2007 | Studio: Valve | Genre: Puzzle-platformer

If you have ever played Portal, you know it is something special. This mind-bending puzzle game introduced players to the Portal Gun—a mechanic so unique that it changed how puzzle-solving in games was approached.

Kim Swift was the lead designer behind Portal, which started as a student project (Narbacular Drop) before Valve brought Swift and her team on board. The result was a critically acclaimed game that is both brilliantly designed and endlessly fun.

Why it stands out:

• Innovative portal-based puzzles

• A perfect balance of challenge and accessibility

• A hilariously dark sense of humour

Swift’s work helped pave the way for more women in technical game design and inspired a new era of puzzle games.

Journey – Robin Hunicke (Producer & Designer)

Released: 2012 | Studio: Thatgamecompany | Genre: Adventure

Few games capture raw emotion like Journey. With no dialogue, no explicit story, and a simple yet powerful multiplayer experience, it creates an emotional connection with players in a unique way.

Robin Hunicke played a key role in bringing Journey to life, helping design its cooperative mechanics, where players assist each other without words. The result is an unforgettable experience that encourages kindness and connection.

Why it stands out:

• Storytelling without words

• Groundbreaking multiplayer mechanics

• Stunning visuals and a beautifully composed soundtrack

Hunicke continues to be a leading voice for inclusivity and creativity in gaming.

Celeste – Maddy Thorson (Lead Developer & Writer)

Released: 2018 | Studio: Extremely OK Games | Genre: Platformer

Celeste is more than just a challenging platformer—it is an emotional journey about mental health, self-doubt, and perseverance. Players guide Madeline as she climbs a mountain, battling both physical obstacles and inner struggles.

Maddy Thorson, the lead developer and writer, created a game that resonates deeply with players. With precise platforming mechanics and a touching narrative, Celeste became an indie hit, winning Best Independent Game at The Game Awards 2018.

Why it stands out:

• A heartfelt story about self-acceptance

• Well-designed platforming mechanics

• An outstanding soundtrack that enhances the experience

Thorson later opened up about how Celeste reflected their own journey with gender identity, making it even more meaningful for many players.

Read more: LGBT+ History Month: Why Representation in Games Matters 

Unpacking – Wren Brier (Creative Director)

Released: 2021 | Studio: Witch Beam | Genre: Puzzle

Who knew unpacking boxes could tell such a powerful story? Unpacking takes a simple, everyday activity and turns it into an emotional journey. As players arrange objects in different living spaces, they piece together the life story of an unseen character—without a single line of dialogue.

Wren Brier, the game’s creative director, helped bring this unique vision to life. With its soothing atmosphere and beautiful pixel-art style, Unpacking proves that storytelling in games does not always need words.

Why it stands out:

• A subtle yet powerful narrative

• Relaxing gameplay with emotional depth

• A fresh take on storytelling in games

It is a reminder that sometimes, the smallest details tell the biggest stories.

Assassin’s Creed – Jade Raymond (Executive Producer)

Released: 2007 | Studio: Ubisoft | Genre: Action-adventure

The Assassin’s Creed series is one of the biggest franchises in gaming, and it all started with Jade Raymond. As the executive producer of the original Assassin’s Creed, she helped shape its open-world design, stealth mechanics, and historical storytelling.

Raymond has had a long and influential career in gaming, later working on Assassin’s Creed II, Watch Dogs, and founding multiple studios. Her leadership helped launch a franchise that continues to evolve and inspire new generations of gamers.

Why it stands out:

• Revolutionary open-world gameplay

• A historical setting that made learning fun

• The beginning of one of gaming’s biggest franchises

Today, Raymond leads Haven Studios, working on new AAA projects for PlayStation.

Read more: Five Must-Play 2025 Game Releases For Students 

These five games are just a glimpse into the incredible work women have done in the gaming industry. As more women step into game design, programming, and leadership roles, we will see even more groundbreaking experiences that push the boundaries of gaming.

If you are passionate about making your own mark on the gaming world, check out MetStudios’ Games Design & Development and Games Art & Technology undergraduate courses. Whether you are drawn to storytelling, coding, or game art, we will help you develop the skills to turn your ideas into reality.

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