Agenda
(Bad) Advice for Early-Career Marginalized Devs
Noor Amin (Senior Game Designer, Riot Games)
Pass Type:
Academic Pass, Festival Pass, Game Changer Pass, Indie Pass, Start-Up Pass -
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Track:
Career
Audience Level:
All
Format:
Microtalks
Vault Recording: TBD
Audience Level: All
How does a marginalized game developer not only survive, but thrive? In this session, senior game designer Noor Amin examines the gap between common career advice and the realities faced by ambitious developers from underrepresented backgrounds. Drawing on her own journey—from studying neuroscience to joining Riot Games as an associate to becoming the youngest senior game designer at the company—she shares practical strategies for building credibility, finding mentors without existing networks, navigating early career growth, and transitioning into leadership. Noor offers an honest look at ambition and marginalization within the games industry alongside candid reflections on the obstacles she encountered. Attendees will leave with greater awareness of the challenges faced by marginalized game developers in the workplace and actionable advice for taking greater ownership of their careers.
Takeaway
Attendees recognize why common career advice often fails marginalized game developers and gain practical strategies for navigating entry- through senior-level careers. They learn how to build external credibility while applying for jobs, find mentors without existing connections, advocate for promotions, and transition from reliable execution into leadership.
Intended Audience
This talk is aimed at early-career game developers from marginalized backgrounds who are looking for actionable ways to grow in the industry. It is also valuable for managers or mentors who hope to better understand the types of challenges faced by marginalized colleagues and how to support them.