Women in gaming: shatter the glass ceiling

Women today are more empowered and determined than ever to succeed in the workplace, and the changes I’ve seen over the past few decades have been inspirational.

Casting my mind back to over 30 years ago, when I was about to finish my university studies in physics, I passed a selection process searching for two candidates to work as software engineers for a Spanish gaming company. Fortunately, and to my surprise, I was selected with another female classmate. I still remember the shocked faces of everybody when we appeared in the small R&D department filled only with men.

Above all, I remember when we met the R. Franco Group’s legendary founding brothers; Joaquín and Jesús Franco. “But they are women!,” they said, astonished. And then, looking at each other; “Well fair enough, they are the best candidates.”

Certainly, a progressive view at the time and since I started out programming R. Franco’s machines, it’s been a long journey to be where I am today as Group VP, with 39 years of personal growth, dedication and hard work.

No doubt I have been fortunate to always work at a progressive company that bases its rewards on merit. The R. Franco Group’s huge capacity for innovation has enabled me to undertake many successful projects and, above all, the R. Franco brothers have always believed in me, letting my work do the talking, which is the way it should be.

It is true that for many years, women have not had equal opportunities in the industry, be it for cultural or professional reasons, and it goes without saying that in the absence of equal opportunities, it has been extremely difficult to gain the representation our male peers have. But I like challenges, and I have faced many, and often, and have always undertaken them with patience and determination. Persistence in the face of adversity, as they say.

Finding the right talent

At present we see more bright women playing relevant roles at their companies, acknowledged and valued by the relevant industry. This includes everything from lawyers to finance experts, specialised technicians and engineers. I am very proud that there has always been a high ratio of women in my company, as talent has always taken precedence over gender.

But of course, that isn’t enough – and my example is only for one person. There are great women in our industry who work incredibly hard, many of whom are yet to be recognised, and it’s our duty to ensure we promote them and make them visible.

We need to help them shatter the so-called glass ceiling which prevents them from holding roles at management committees and boards of directors. And while it’s true that times have changed, and with it has come great progress, there’s still a long way to go.

Key to the future is going to be not only rewarding hard work, but also looking beyond gender – a topic that in many ways should never come into the conversation. For that to truly change, however, will first require us to continue the steps we have been taking in the last 30 years, and long may it continue.

To sign-off, I will leave my industry peers with a parting piece of advice. Always strive to be your best and always work as if the company were yours. Work every day with the identical enthusiasm and passion as you brought on your first day and the rewards will come.

We’re entering a new era of gaming, and times are changing. Be strong, resilient and patient, get support from the best people, and if you are ever discriminated against for being a woman, stay focused on your goal and prove to others that you can do it.

Most importantly, remember this motto: “If you improve your company, your company will improve you.” If it doesn’t do that, then you deserve a better career elsewhere.

Maria José Gallardo has been part of the R. Franco Group for more than 30 years. Having served across a variety of roles, she first started her senior management career as head of technology, before rising to her present position of company vice president.