NCSoft’s Songyee Yoon advocates for using gaming to create a positive impact on the world | The DeanBeat

Songyee Yoon, the president of NCSoft, a South Korean gaming company, is breaking barriers as one of the few women leaders in the industry. Known for games like Aion, Guild Wars, and Blade & Soul, Yoon recently shared her insights on the importance of gaming in a fireside chat at GamesBeat Summit 2024.

Yoon’s passion for gaming and belief in its positive impact on society led her to write a book titled “Push Play: Gaming for a Better World.” In the book, she explores how gaming is ingrained in human nature and serves as a tool for learning, creativity, and innovation.

With a background in science and technology, Yoon emphasizes the role of play in shaping our understanding of the world. She advocates for a more diverse and inclusive gaming community, especially for women, to bring different perspectives and experiences to game development.

Yoon’s efforts to create a supportive environment for women in the gaming industry include initiatives like setting up a daycare at NCSoft headquarters to support working mothers. By championing diversity and equity, Yoon aims to pave the way for more women to lead and contribute to the gaming industry.

In her interview, Yoon also discusses the importance of AI in game development and the need for innovation to drive the industry forward. Her resilience and dedication to making gaming a force for good serve as an inspiration to both players and industry professionals alike.