We often share stories about professionals in the game development industry whose work is very important but remains behind the scenes. This time, we spoke with Sophie Baker, Head of Operations at Lessmore. We learned how she fell in love with games, what her first step toward working in game development was, what challenges women face in the gaming industry, and why it’s so important to talk about them openly.
“I simply didn’t realise that ‘gaming’ was a proper career path”
A love for the gaming industry usually begins in childhood, and for many professionals in game development, it often shapes their entire career path. Could you tell us how you first fell in love with games?
My dad and I played the game Pinball together when I was young. It was good fun and competitive. There were many kids’ educational games in school as well. However, Borderlands and Heroes of Might and Magic III were the two that made me want to work in games specifically. I spent endless hours playing both and they’re still amongst my all-time favourites.
According to LinkedIn, your career began as an independent writer at Letters and Words. Then you joined teams at Gameforge, Kolibri Games, and Build A Rocket Boy. Could you share how your career path has evolved? What challenges did you face along the way, and what did you find especially exciting?
Letters and Words was more of a student writer job. Gameforge is how my gaming career journey began. They had a job ad online, and I thought it just can’t be a real job, I simply didn’t realise that “gaming” was a proper career path. It was a great company to get introduced to the industry world, with supportive colleagues and many learning opportunities. Kolibri and BARB taught me different things, especially about the scaling of companies & what’s important to me personally. It was exciting to see how companies and their people, as well as projects, would evolve (for the better or worse).
Since September 2022, you’ve been working as Head of Operations at Lessmore. Could you tell us about the approach you’ve chosen for organizing processes and working with teams? In your opinion, what’s the most important thing to keep in mind when setting up processes in a large company?
You need to understand the company in order to design its processes efficiently. Industry standards might not always work. In Lessmore, we’re moving incredibly fast. We cannot have processes that block the company progress, and as such, they need to be as simple as possible.
“Someone told me I wouldn’t be allowed in a meeting because I’m ‘just not a man'”
You’re an ambassador for supporting women in the gaming industry. How did you get involved with programs like the femdevsmeetup?
Through different gaming-related groups on Facebook and LinkedIn, I saw a posting about a female game developers (and supporters) meetup, which was a few hours away. When arriving, one of the organisers greeted me very warmly and explained what they are aiming to do. We became close friends over the years. It’s incredible to see the diverse Discord and real-life group build up. Unlike other programs, they are not corporate, they genuinely put supporting others first, and organise things like CV or art portfolio reviews and open networking.
What challenges have you faced in the gaming industry, and how have they shaped you and your career trajectory?
There were all kinds of things, from not being paid an equal salary on the same level as my co-workers, promises not being held, to being constantly underestimated/having to prove my skills. Someone told me I wouldn’t be allowed in a meeting because I’m “just not a man.” It’s sad but these things do happen. A lot. Leave the place where you’re not respected.
Talking about the people in the gaming industry and their journeys is truly important. What successes have you witnessed?
The personal development of so many colleagues has been absolutely amazing. One of my first team members is now a successful filmmaker, and I feel so incredibly proud and happy for him when he’s sharing his stories. He is strong, confident, independent, and absolutely talented. I’ve also seen someone grow from being in a starter role in the Community Management department, to becoming the Vice President of Products of the company. A powerhouse badass woman!
In your view, which topics continue to be sensitive or triggering today, despite ongoing progress?
Topics like mental health or sexual harassment. It is good to see a development where these conversations can be more openly had but there is still a long way to go.
What advice would you give to aspiring game developers who want to build a successful career?
Look after yourself. Don’t accept being treated badly in whichever way that may be. For me personally, I love this industry, even though it has ups and downs. Making games and working with such highly talented individuals, sharing knowledge, learning more every day, it’s exciting. Don’t forget to have some fun along the way.
