Biography:
Brie Code is an AI video game programmer and influential figure in the gaming industry. Through her work on games such as Assassin’s Creed, Child of Light, and #SelfCare, she has demonstrated a commitment to pushing the boundaries of game design, emphasizing care and characters.
Brie Code was raised in the countryside outside Vancouver, British Columbia. She developed an early interest in computer science, which led her to pursue a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science from the University of British Columbia in 2001. This educational foundation provided her with the necessary skills to embark on a successful career in the gaming industry.
Code’s career began at Ubisoft Montreal, where she worked for many years as a programmer and managed programming teams. During this time, she faced the unique challenge of being often the only woman on her teams. Despite this, she persevered and became instrumental in designing a diversity initiative within the company. Her efforts were aimed at promoting gender equality and fostering a more inclusive gaming environment.
One of Code’s notable accomplishments came with the release of the award-winning game Child of Light. This game featured a female protagonist and boasted a 25 percent female developer team, challenging the industry’s traditional gender roles and celebrating diversity. The game’s success not only demonstrated Code’s abilities as a programmer but also showcased her dedication to creating games that prioritize representation and inclusivity.
In her ongoing pursuit of innovative game design, Brie Code founded her own game studio called Tru Luv. Through Tru Luv, she aims to create experimental games that focus on care and characters, aiming to evoke emotional responses in players. One such game is #SelfCare, which gained recognition for its unique approach to self-care. In this virtual environment, players engage in calming tasks such as reading a book, tending to a plant, or sorting laundry by color. By providing a soothing and introspective experience, #SelfCare reflects Code’s belief in the transformative power of games to evoke emotions and bring about a sense of calm.
Brie Code’s contributions to the gaming industry have been widely recognized. In 2018, her game #SelfCare was named in Apple’s Best of 2018 Trends of the Year, further solidifying her position as a leading voice in the field of game design. Her innovative and inclusive approach has not only pushed the boundaries of traditional game development but has also served as an inspiration for aspiring developers. Brie Code’s influence on the gaming industry and her dedication to promoting diversity and care through her games make her a significant figure in both gaming history and women’s history.