Welcome
Project AWR is dedicated to creating a safe space for Asian women in the gaming industry or gravitating around it, and also to promote them and give them a platform to amplify their voice.
We have created a Discord server where we share our personal stories, highlight Asian women’s achievements, talk about representation, and share articles, podcasts, and videos related to the topic. The server is accessible to everyone – allies included – on request, and there is a dedicated locked Asian Women Space, as well as separated channels per requested Asian language. To request access to the Discord server, you can write us here or on Twitter. There might be some delay in response.
OUR GOALS
Safe Space: Creating a supportive and safe space for Asian women in the game industry.
Collaborations: Working with other Asian supporting organizations to support the Asian Community as a whole.
OUR ACTIONS
Mentorship: Guiding Asian women, in their careers and future aspirations
Consultancy: Have a consulting agency who can help on representation matters. We aim to make this a paid opportunity.
Networking: Connecting Asian women within the AWR Community to create stronger support.
WHAT KIND OF ASIAN ARE YOU?
“What kind of Asian” is a podcast highlighting Asians, and what being Asian is like.
In this episode, Renee Ya talked about her experience in the gaming industry and her Hmong American heritage and culture.
COMMUNITY FEEDBACK
What do you think about our community and Discord server?
“I think this community and Discord server are the first time I honestly feel comfortable enough to share and react to stuff other people are sharing and to really CARE. It’s enriching for me to connect with other Asian people”. – Mai-Vy (she/her)
“I think our community is really active and that is awesome.” – Lamby (she/her)
“I love that this place came into existence. Living in a society where most people are white, I have a severe problem finding other PoC with an Asian background to connect with and even more so in the gaming industry. Just knowing that this space exists and that I am free to share experience, rant or chill and support others give me so much strength and hope.” – Anna Ceras (she/her)
OUR STORIES
HOW DID THE “STOP ASIAN / AAPI HATE” MOVEMENTS CHANGE YOU?
We asked our Discord members how the Stop Asian Hate / Stop AAPI Hate movements resonated with them and how it changed them.
PORTFOLIO HIGHLIGHTS
ACHIEVEMENTS & VICTORIES
KAREN K. LEE – Presenter of Assassin’s Creed Valhalla’s updates (Ubisoft Forward)
From Karen: Having joined the Assassin’s Creed team as the Senior Community Developer, I was honored to host the game’s main show segment at Ubisoft Forward for E3. Assassin’s Creed Valhalla has very community-centric post-launch plans, and it was my pleasure to guide everyone through them.
Filming during Covid was an interesting experience! It was tough, but rewarding. Overall, I’m excited for the community to continue to see what Assassin’s Creed Valhalla has to offer!
ELISE TRINH – Writer of the For Honor trailer (Ubisoft Forward)
From Elise: Y5S2 in For Honor is quite a special season to me. We’re trying to pay homage to a different aspect of Japanese culture with a special character inspired by deities from Japanese Buddhism, Japanese mythology and some concepts of Japanese philosophy (obviously very simplified). Several Japanese coworkers provided us the coolest references and were super helpful when shaping the season’s and hero’s lore. I hope they will like the result!
REPRESENTATION MATTERS
Vietnamese filmmakers Sally Tran and Phuong Vo have created a short film about the history of anti-Asian racism and violence in the U.S. – by Michelle De Pacina for NextShark
What it’s about: The short film, entitled “Centuries and Still,” unveils the “search for justice [that] goes back to the Gold Rush era fetishization of Asian women, to today’s hate crimes targeting Asian elders.”
“Asian American hate is as old as American history,” the film narrates. It portrays some of the historical events that took part in the birth and perpetuation of anti-Asian discrimination and hate crimes that are still happening to this day.
Dwayne Johnson accounts for a third of all API movie leads as study finds sad stats – by Tracey Brown for L.A. Times
Arriving during Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month and amid a rise in anti-Asian racism and violence, the new study examined 1,300 top-grossing movies from 2007 to 2019 for API representation in onscreen and behind-the-camera roles, as well as among the executive ranks in top Hollywood film companies.
Gaming industry members discuss why we need more diversity in video games – by Dean Daley for MobileSyrup
This time around, the question at hand is “why do you feel we need more diversity in video games and why is it important for diversity to be part of gaming?”
On a personal level, I feel that representation in video games is important because it can show that you’re not alone. As an LGBTQ+ BIPOC individual, it would be great to play a game with a character that shares at least some of the same experiences and obstacles I’ve faced in my life.
RAJI: AN ANCIENT EPIC – Nodding Heads Games
Raji: An Ancient Epic is an action-adventure game set in ancient India. A young girl named Raji has been chosen by the gods to stand against the demonic invasion of the human realm. Her destiny? To rescue her younger brother and face the demon lord Mahabalasura.
CHINATOWN DETECTIVE AGENCY – General Interactive Co.
Become the detective in this free prologue for Chinatown Detective Agency. Amira Darma is new to the PI game, and you’ll need to use real-world detective skills to help her solve cases, manage her agency and unravel a global conspiracy in this globetrotting neo-noir mystery.
LEGEND OF TIANDING – CGCG
The Legend of Tianding is a sidescrolling action game about Liao Tianding, the legendary Taiwanese Folk Hero. Explore the dazzling streets of Colonial Japanese Taiwan in the early 20th century, as you rob the rich, feed the poor, and expose the darkness lurking in the heart of Taipei.
Project AWR Logo & Design: Hanjosi
Project AWR is not affiliated with any company.
