Ashlyn Sparrow, Asst. Director - Weston Game Lab at Univ of Chicago (#18‪)‬ Lion Legacy

2010 Penn State graduate Ashlyn Sparrow is in one of the fastest growing industries - gaming. However, her role is a bit unique and goes beyond pure entertainment. As Assistant Director of the Weston Game Lab at the University of Chicago, Ashlyn works on developing games to create socio-cultural impact. In this episode, she dives into what that truly means, how she wants to see more Black women in the gaming industry, and more!

Jump right in:

(4:17) - Weston Game Lab and Ashlyn’s role

(5:05) - Ashlyn’s career journey

(7:13) - Games that drive an impact in the community

(12:00) - Creating game-like experiences that are like sandboxes

(13:22) - Favorite games

(18:15) - Working with students

(19:35) - Growing up as a gamer

(23:49) - Being a Black woman in the gaming industry and what needs to be done to get more involved

(26:50) - Work during the pandemic and social justice movements

(28:17) - Viewpoint on games with violence

(30:29) - The future of the gaming industry and Ashlyn’s career

(34:40) - Penn State experience

Learn more about Ashlyn at AshlynSparrow.com

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Lion Legacy is a Baroudeur Production and is not affiliated with Penn State University. Visit us at LionLegacyPodcast.com

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