”If you’re curious, that’s already your first “yes.”
Don’t worry about fitting a stereotype or having it all figured out.
Start exploring, ask questions, find your people and start working on your projects.
And remember: you don’t have to do it alone.”
Katarzyna Grynienko,
Culture, Diversity & Inclusion Project Manager, CD Projekt RED
Talent is everywhere. Opportunity is not.
Did you know nearly half of all gamers are women – yet only about 20% of professionals in the game development are female?
This imbalance isn’t due to lack of interest or ability. The gap often begins much earlier – in schools, at the moment when young people start deciding their future education and careers. One initiative tackling this challenge head-on is a scholarship and mentoring program run by a leading Polish game development studio: CD Projekt Red. The program was created by Agnieszka Szamałek, Culture and Diversity & Inclusion Director at CD Projekt Red, who saw how important it is to support and inspire girls early on.
„Dziewczyny w grze” (EN: Girls in the Game”) engages girls at a key stage in their education, shows them concrete career opportunities, and connects them with real mentors. By doing so, it unlocks potential that might otherwise go unnoticed or dismissed too soon.
Representation and support
“When girls and young women see people like themselves creating games, coding systems, or leading tech projects, the industry becomes imaginable and attainable.” says Katarzyna Grynienko, Culture, Diversity and Inclusion Project Manager at CD Projekt RED, the well-known Polish studio game developer, editor of “The Witcher” and “Cyberpunk”, among others. “That’s why we combine mentorship with visibility: participants meet professionals, visit our Warsaw office, and see first-hand that there’s a place for them in tech. It’s not just about opening doors, it’s about showing what’s behind them” she explains.
And she adds: “The industry needs your voice and your perspective. Look for communities like Dziewczyny w grze!, where you’ll be supported, not judged.”
The program focuses on girls in grades 3 to 5 of secondary school — a pivotal stage when students decide what to study and who they want to become. Instead of assuming girls aren’t interested in tech, the organizers asked a better question: what if we simply showed them that they are needed – not just as coders, but as artists, producers, storytellers, and designers?
The response has been overwhelming. From over 3,000 applicants across more than 700 towns and cities in Poland, around 20 girls are selected each year. Each participant is matched with a mentor — someone currently working in game development, in areas such as level design, visual arts, project production, or narrative.
Sessions are held mostly online, offering over 70 hours of tailored workshops. Mentors include both women and men, reflecting the current industry landscape while building a more balanced one for the future.
Education as an inspiring journey
“In order to encourage more girls to choose tech pathways, we need education that connects creativity, curiosity, and community. Tech shouldn’t be framed only as engineering or science” suggests Katarzyna. “We need school environments where all kids – both girls and boys, are encouraged to explore how tech intersects with their interests, be it games, art, social impact, or storytelling. Hands-on learning, access to role models, and safe spaces to experiment and fail – all of these make a difference.”
The program goes far beyond technical training. For many participants, it’s the first time they truly feel seen as future professionals. Graduates often stay in touch via Discord servers they’ve created themselves, and some return to mentor the next generation.
This cycle builds more than skills: it creates belonging, confidence, and community. “The program is like a Witcher’s journey – full of inspiration, unforgettable experiences, and challenges that teach perseverance and courage,” said Anna Dyrcz, a “Girls in the Game” alumna and creator of the “Girls Mean STEM” project.
Another alumna highlighted something closely aligned with what we believe and practice at 42 Warsaw: education is first and foremost a social activity. This is especially important because learning from each other is a key skill for the future: “They showed me that game development isn’t some kind of black magic and that you can learn everything if you really want to! Everyone at CD Projekt RED was so passionate and eager to share.”
This article is a recap of the latest edition of 42 Warsaw Talks – a series where we explore the IT industry not only through technology, but also from a social perspective.
Just like our educational model at 42 Warsaw, the focus is on practical, real-world insights. We invite experts to share experiences and ideas that drive meaningful change. In June, we explored how to include more women in tech – as a warm-up to the Women in Tech Summit 2025, where we’re a proud community partner.
Curious about our next events? Stay connected with campus updates on our social media.
