Name: Jenna Black
Course: BA (Hons) Computer Arts
Year: 4th
What made you choose to join the Women in Games Society?
I joined as a member when the society first started up, looking for a space where I’d feel comfortable going to events and gatherings. Now I’d like to foster that same sense of community as a member of the committee. <3
Who’s your ultimate female gaming icon or character — and why does she rock?
There’s a lot of female characters that I adore, but one that I loved when I was younger was Talwyn Apogee from the Ratchet and Clank series. I thought she was the coolest character ever; I’d even play pretend as her (and force people to play along). Looking back on it, I can see why I idolised her so much, the Ratchet and Clank games were some of my favourites and it made me so happy to see a girl in a leading role (representation matters!!).
What’s the first game that made you fall in love with gaming?
I’ve been playing games for nearly as long as I can remember, but I think the earliest one that got me into gaming was Crash Bandicoot, specifically the first and third games. I loved the vibrant colours and goofy humour; it really stuck with me as I grew up. I remember sitting at the PS2 for hours, even if I got stuck playing the same sections over and over again.
You’ve been hired to design a game with a strong female lead — what’s the genre and what’s her superpower?
I think I’d create a female horror protagonist, with the ability to transform into a monstrous second form. >:)
If you could time travel, would you go to the past or the future, and why?
I don’t think I’d touch the future for the sake of my mental health, but I’d love to go back to different points in history to experience what life was really like. I’d maybe be more inclined to visit recent history (1950s-1990s) and then take that as inspiration for my art and projects.
What's your favourite board game or video game, and what makes it so enjoyable for you?
I struggle with picking favourites, but The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is a game I always come back to. I love the visuals, exploration, combat, cooking, resource gathering, shrines (mostly), and the characters/character design. But honestly, there’s nothing like riding on your horse and taking in the scenery and ambience.
If you could have any animal as a pet, regardless of practicality or legality, what would you choose and why?
On the condition that it doesn’t kill me(!), a tiger. Imagine the cuddles, and also how loud the purrs would be.
