There was a time when video games had the same tired tropes of macho heroes, damsels in distress, and boringly predictable narratives. Today, the industry has been transformed by a vibrant wave of female-led innovation, with game designers and storytellers redefining what it means to be a protagonist.
SurveyIcons like Lara Croft and Princess Zelda have paved the way for new heroines who not only entertain but also inspire. As we celebrate International Women’s Day, we spotlight two talented women in gaming – accomplished voices at the forefront of this evolution: P. Trishita of Studio Sirah and Vanita Mascarenhas of Dot9 Games. The passion these talented women have for gaming isn’t merely about creating fun experiences – it’s about reshaping narratives, breaking barriers, and building communities that feel truly inclusive.
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Trishita recalls the days when the classic Jewel Quest was just that – a simple match-3 game. “As a mobile game designer, seeing games evolve into dynamic mini-ecosystems, with multiple game modes and mechanics to create long-term, layered engagement loops is really fun because now, we are not confined to a single core loop,” she explains. This evolution allows designers to cater to every type of player by “titillating the different player motives all in one game,” she notes. And that’s not just innovation for innovation’s sake, but a strategic move to engage audiences in ways that older, linear designs could never achieve.
Vanita Mascarenhas brings another perspective to the table – one deeply rooted in the art of storytelling. For her, the power of narrative is central to creating games that resonate emotionally with players. “In the gaming world, the player is king, and if they feel disconnected with your game, then there is very little to go forward on,” Vanita asserts. Gone are the days when stories were delivered in a straight line from point A to B. Today, narratives are interactive, fluid, and immersive. She emphasizes the importance of letting players become co-authors of their in-game experiences. This approach not only deepens engagement but also transforms the game from a static product into a living, evolving world where every decision counts.
Behind these innovative ideas lies a shared commitment to community. Both Trishita and Vanita stress that the future of gaming depends on bridging the gap between creators and players. Trishita credits her own journey to the invaluable input she receives from family, friends, and even non-gamers. “I’ve set a starting point for understanding accessibility – my family and friends, my very own playtesters who rarely play games. They help reveal fundamental issues that might otherwise be overlooked under the assumption that ‘everyone will understand.’” This feedback, she says, acts as a reality check that keeps her designs grounded and accessible.
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Similarly, Vanita emphasizes the role of social interaction in game development. She describes playtests as “an electric atmosphere” where community reactions are captured in real time, influencing everything from gameplay tweaks to narrative adjustments. The dialogue between developers and their audience is what fuels continuous improvement in an industry that’s as much about emotion as it is about technology.
Yet, as both of them point out, creativity doesn’t come without its challenges. Balancing a visionary design with the practical demands of user experience is no easy feat. “I wouldn’t call this unique, I think this is something that every designer has faced, where sometimes you get so caught in your vision you develop a bias, assuming that of course everyone would see what you’re seeing,” Trishita confesses. It’s a humbling reminder that even the most imaginative creators must continually check their own assumptions to build something that resonates with all players, not just a select few.
Vanita echoes this sentiment, stressing that game writing isn’t merely about crafting a compelling story – it’s about ensuring that the story works within the constraints of gameplay mechanics. “Create, play, refine – repeat,” she advises, underscoring the cyclical nature of design where constant iteration is key.
Innovation in design and narrative is not limited to aesthetics, as it also influences how monetization is approached. Trishita shares an insightful example from her previous role, where her team optimized in-app purchase strategies to both enhance the player experience and improve revenue. By mapping the player journey and designing personalized purchase packs, they managed to double first-time spender conversions – a win-win for both players and developers.
Vanita, on the other hand, draws attention to a project at Dot9 Games that sought to fill a gap in the homegrown shooter space in India. Their game, FAU-G Domination, was not just another shooter, providing a narrative-driven experience that showcased Indian cultural references and settings in a way that felt both fresh and deeply relatable.
As the industry continues to evolve, one thing remains constant – which is the need for community engagement. Both experts are clear that a game’s success is as much about the experience as it is about the story behind it. “While a studio develops the narrative, the player brings it to life through the way they engage with the game,” Vanita remarks. Whether it’s through playtests, social media interactions, or in-game analytics, the continuous loop of feedback is what refines and enriches gaming experiences. Trishita’s philosophy of involving diverse groups – seasoned players, newbies, and even non-gamers – ensures that the final product isn’t just innovative but also accessible.
“Female gamers make up almost half of the gaming population,” one industry report noted, and that’s precisely why voices like these are so essential, and it’s heartening to see leaders like Trishita and Vanita champion a new era of design and storytelling across Indian gaming and beyond. Their efforts not only elevate the quality of the games we play and are produced here in India but also pave the way for a more diverse and vibrant community.
Also read: More Indian women are choosing gaming as a serious career option
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Jayesh Shinde
Executive Editor at Digit. Technology journalist since Jan 2008, with stints at Indiatimes.com and PCWorld.in. Enthusiastic dad, reluctant traveler, weekend gamer, LOTR nerd, pseudo bon vivant. View Full Profile
