Inspired by the #1ReasonWhy and #1ReasonToBe hashtagged discussions that erupted across social media in 2013, the perennially popular and positive #1ReasonToBe panel discussion is a rapid, fun microtalk-style celebration and exploration of gender in the game industry and why alternative voices matter.

The panel returned to GDC 2015 earlier this year with a lineup of panelists who shared their experience, its highs and lows, and explored their vision for a future industry that is inclusive for all.

Hosted by industry veterans Brenda Romero and Leigh Alexander for the third year running, the #1ReasonToBe GDC 2015 panel featured notable speakers Sela Davis (Microsoft), Amy Hennig (Visceral Games), Katherine Cross (Gamasutra, City University of New York), Elizabeth LaPensee (Odaminowin Studio), Constance Steinkuehler (University of Madison Wisconsin professor) and Adriel Wallick (indie developer and Train Jam organizer.)

Writing for Gamasutra, Simon Parkin called the panel "a microtalk-style celebration and exploration of what it means to be a woman working in the video game medium and industry." If you missed seeing it in person, you can now watch the recorded video version for free over on the GDC Vault.

About the GDC Vault

In addition to this presentation, the GDC Vault and its new YouTube channel offers numerous other free videos, audio recordings, and slides from many of the recent Game Developers Conference events, and the service offers even more members-only content for GDC Vault subscribers.

Those who purchased All Access passes to recent events like GDC, GDC Europe, and GDC Next already have full access to GDC Vault, and interested parties can apply for the individual subscription via a GDC Vault subscription page. Group subscriptions are also available: game-related schools and development studios who sign up for GDC Vault Studio Subscriptions can receive access for their entire office or company by contacting staff via the GDC Vault group subscription page. Finally, current subscribers with access issues can contact GDC Vault technical support.

Gamasutra and GDC are sibling organizations under parent UBM Tech