Women in Games International launching Montreal chapter

Women in Games International, an organization working to promote women's roles within the games industry, will launch its new Montreal chapter tonight during an International Game Developers Association's summer event, reports Games Industry International.

Co-founders Valerie Bourdeau, Jules Morgan, Sharon Price and Violet Vosper hope the formation of a Montreal-based group will foster a greater sense of community among the city's female developers. The group will organize lectures and other events in the area, which sports a number of big-name company branches including Ubisoft, BioWare and Warner Bros. Interactive, as well as Visceral Games, Funcom and a score of indie developers including Polytron.

The launch will take place tonight at Terrasses Bonsecours in the Old Port of Montreal from 7 to 9 p.m. local Montreal time.

"As a vibrant hub of game development, we think it's important that Montreal has a local WIGI chapter," said Price. "There has been increased awareness around women who work in games, and how women are portrayed in games. We want to represent a positive, open, and visible presence for women in the industry."