WORK / LIFE : FAIR PLAY
Talking a Good Game
This year ’ s OMEN Challenge winner and three other all-star female gamers on inclusivity , representation , and why competitive gaming is a great opportunity .
When the virtual curtains closed on this year ’ s
OMEN Challenge , only one woman was left standing .
Eight contestants faced off in a multi-round video-gaming and trivia tournament — aptly named “ The Video Game Game Show ”— where fans bantered with players as the competition streamed on the
OMEN Twitch channel . Hosted by actor , comedian , and writer
Ron Funches and featuring OMEN squad member
Cupahnoodle , the live broadcast had competitors battling through four rounds of trivia and four rounds of gameplay .
Gunn , a pro esports veteran and cosplayer , stayed on top as her fellow competitors were voted out one by one . She not only won bragging rights , but also the “ ultimate gaming battle station ” complete with the
OMEN 30L desktop and
OMEN 27i monitor , a slew of
HyperX peripherals , a mini fridge , and mood lighting . She ’ ll also get to present a donation of HP
Victus laptops to her local
Boys & Girls Club .
Gunn , who grew up in Los Angeles , followed in her dad ’ s footsteps into the world of gaming after hanging around the comic book and card store he owned . “ Being a hypercompetitive person , I will always find ways to compete , whether it ’ s video games , TV game shows , or chores ,” Gunn says . “ I love a challenge !”
Innovation spoke to Gunn and a few of the other OMEN Challenge participants about their careers , this year ’ s biggest trends , and advice for women in gaming .
In what ways have you seen gaming becoming more inclusive over time ?
KAT GUNN : Growing up , gaming was never a career option . Now with social media , esports leagues , and pioneering influencers helping make it mainstream , it has become not only acceptable but something kids want to pursue .
STORYMODEBAE : I love seeing games start to incorporate storylines with main characters of diverse backgrounds , including those who are Black , POC , and LGBTQIA +. Proper lighting for skin tones and hair textures / styles are addressed more frequently . While these are great things , I look forward to the day that these are not questioned and met with backlash .
MSASHROCKS : Gaming brands are speaking up about inclusivity and how it is important to them . In the streaming space , having brands highlight and uplift our stories has been a great start .
What do you think the biggest trend in gaming is for 2022 ?
STORYMODEBAE : I noticed more people are beginning to hop into VR gaming . If the demand for new games can keep up with the number of players jumping into the world of virtual reality , I see the possibility for a lot of cool things to happen this year .
MSASHROCKS : More indie and story-driven games being introduced with content creators , and more console exclusives making it into PC gaming .
KAT GUNN : Hopefully more OMEN Challenges ! Opportunities like this are originally what reinforced the idea that I could make a full-time job out of playing video games .
KAT GUNN
STORYMODEBAE
MSASHROCKS
BLUSHI
What has surprised you the most in your career as a streamer / content creator ?
KAT GUNN : My misfit second family : Over the many years of streaming , I have curated a group of like-minded individuals . They challenge me in many ways I could not foresee , and I love it .
BLUSHI : Not only have I gained a community of more than 200,000 amazing people , but I get to be in a game show with women I look up to !
STORYMODEBAE : This is not easy work , and not only do you have to have a tough skin , your mental health plays a huge role . There are times where the view counts aren ’ t what you had hoped for , and the “ grind culture ” mentality starts to take over . Having outlets for yourself to rest , relax , and recharge is so important , and taking these steps to better your mental health pays off not only for your mind , but often for your content , too .
What is a common misperception about female gamers ?
KAT GUNN : Women can be dismissed for their looks or what they wear . When , really , we are all humans trying to find enjoyment in what we do .
BLUSHI : That we are not very good at the games we play . But I ’ ve seen some amazing gameplay by the women in this community ! Every day , females are proving the haters wrong .
STORYMODEBAE : The biggest one is that women don ’ t play video games . I ’ m not sure why it ’ s so hard to grasp the idea that not only do women enjoy playing games , we can kick your butt in them , too .
MSASHROCKS : The most common are that women are only playing for attention and we are not “ true ” to the game . Another one is that we are only meant to play support characters / roles . This industry doesn ’ t believe women deserve to be “ top frag ” or aggressive since we aren ’ t “ good ” enough . It doesn ’ t bother me anymore , since I know I ’ ll do better than them !
What would you say to women who want to get into gaming ?
KAT GUNN : Do what you are passionate about . With the gaming scene and social platforms constantly changing , I want to remind women to stay adaptive and creative .
STORYMODEBAE : Be authentically you , and know that it ’ s not always easy , but my biggest piece of advice is just to start . Despite what some may say , there ’ s space for us , and the biggest step is you believing in yourself .
MSASHROCKS : There is so much more work to be done for women to be included in all areas of gaming , but we dominate the scene . We belong in gaming , and we are here to stay . — Sarah Murry
PHOTOGRAPH BY
HP / INNOVATION / SPRING 2022 50