In this 3rd episode I’m joined by the supremely creative, optimistic and tireless Karla Reyes, Founder & Studio Director of Anima Interactive, on a mission to create games that champion social justice issues. Alongside running her studio, Karla also recently developed the Just Play Jam. We dive into the power of perspective, the immigrant experience, mentorship and the complexities of privilege. Plus we serve up some cheese and corniness. Come join us.About Karla:Karla is the Founder & Studio Director of Anima Interactive, a new socially conscious interactive media studio that blends art and technology to craft experiences that make a positive cultural impact. Prior to founding Anima, Karla developed games at Square Enix and Niantic and also helped build Code Coven, an award-winning global games accelerator for underrepresented talent. Passionate about harnessing the power of games for good, Karla has led games industry initiatives with NGOs and non-profits such as UNEP and UN Women. She is also an active mentor and serves on advisory boards for Los Angeles City College’s Game Design Program and Devcom. Deeply passionate about music, Karla is also a DJ and radio presenter.
Karla’s LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/karla-reyes-6a21ba53/
Anima Interactive
https://www.anima-interactive.com/
Just Play Jam
https://www.justplayjam.com/
About Deborah:
Deborah Mensah-Bonsu is the founder of Games for Good, which focuses on harnessing the power of video games and the video game industry for social impact and climate action. She consults for console and mobile studios, NGOs and the United Nations Environment Programme. She thrives on collaborating to create healthier cultures, products and communities and has worked with some of the most influential names in games and entertainment.
Deborah’s LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/deborah-mensah-bonsu/
Find more stories and get in touch:
games-for-good.com/podcast
Host: Deborah Mensah-Bonsu
Producer: Panji Kaonga
Illustration: Jordan Stephensen
In this 3rd episode I’m joined by the supremely creative, optimistic and tireless Karla Reyes, Founder & Studio Director of Anima Interactive, on a mission to create games that champion social justice issues. Alongside running her studio, Karla also recently developed the Just Play Jam. We dive into the power of perspective, the immigrant experience, mentorship and the complexities of privilege. Plus we serve up some cheese and corniness. Come join us.About Karla:Karla is the Founder & Studio Director of Anima Interactive, a new socially conscious interactive media studio that blends art and technology to craft experiences that make a positive cultural impact. Prior to founding Anima, Karla developed games at Square Enix and Niantic and also helped build Code Coven, an award-winning global games accelerator for underrepresented talent. Passionate about harnessing the power of games for good, Karla has led games industry initiatives with NGOs and non-profits such as UNEP and UN Women. She is also an active mentor and serves on advisory boards for Los Angeles City College’s Game Design Program and Devcom. Deeply passionate about music, Karla is also a DJ and radio presenter.
Karla’s LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/karla-reyes-6a21ba53/
Anima Interactive
https://www.anima-interactive.com/
Just Play Jam
https://www.justplayjam.com/
About Deborah:
Deborah Mensah-Bonsu is the founder of Games for Good, which focuses on harnessing the power of video games and the video game industry for social impact and climate action. She consults for console and mobile studios, NGOs and the United Nations Environment Programme. She thrives on collaborating to create healthier cultures, products and communities and has worked with some of the most influential names in games and entertainment.
Deborah’s LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/deborah-mensah-bonsu/
Find more stories and get in touch:
games-for-good.com/podcast
Host: Deborah Mensah-Bonsu
Producer: Panji Kaonga
Illustration: Jordan Stephensen