Biography

Alayna Cole has worked in the games industry for over a decade. She teaches at multiple institutions as a game production and design lecturer, while also working as the creative director of an independent studio, co-director of a consulting firm, and a published author. She was previously the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Manager at Sledgehammer Games, where she ran diversity initiatives supporting authentic game content in the Call of Duty franchise and inclusive employee experience for approximately 600 gamemakers across four SHG studio locations.

Alayna has experience as both a AAA and indie games producer, was the founding director of a not-for-profit, and has worked as an educator, games journalist, and published author. Her work has had a particular focus on LGBTQ+, invisible disabilities, and neurodivergence. She has written several books, book chapters, and journal articles on a range of subjects, including short stories, textbooks, and a memoir.

Alayna holds a doctorate in creative arts and has spoken at conferences and events globally, including a United Nations summit on gender-based violence in 2021 and a keynote talk at Games Connect Asia Pacific in 2022.

As well as being a passionate champion for advocacy and change, Alayna loves good trees, has too many hobbies to count, and is a connoisseur of hot chips.

Hi! I'm Alayna (she/her) and I spend most of my time making crafts, hanging out with my dog, and trying to make the games industry a more inclusive place.

Please explore my website to learn more about my expertise, values, and career highlights.

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