An Esports student from Solihull College & University Centre is looking ahead to her future as a game designer and is calling for more women and girls to get into the gaming industry.
Madison Arkless, 20, has just finished her Level 3 Esports course at the College’s Blossomfield Campus. Madison loves gaming and is looking to help change the mentality around gaming for girls after being the only female in her group.
Maddie says the opportunities are endless in the industry and she has enjoyed the variety of opportunities available whilst on the course. She comments: “I hadn’t really thought about competitions and events before but now I have realised there are so many I can take part in. You can be anonymous when you compete, and this course has given me the confidence and opportunity to find out more and take part competitively.”
Madison recently spoke on a panel at the Rocket League international event at the NEC – an experience she admits was out of her comfort zone. Esports Lecturer, Antony Stafford, comments: “Madison has demonstrated that hard work and determination can get you places and that opportunities aren’t just handed to you on a plate; you need to be proactive and seek them out. Receiving positive feedback about her drive and determination makes me incredibly proud.
“Madison is always willing to challenge herself and take on new unfamiliar challenges outside of her comfort zone. It’s qualities like this that showcase how much of a great role model Madison is to girls who want to study an area within computing / Esports – an area considered a male dominated industry.”
Madison would like to see more girls on the course and would like to see herself as a top-level game designer in the future, potentially working abroad.
