Name: Astrid Refstrup
Age: 37
From: "I live close to a beach in Denmark"
Interests: "I have more than 200 hours in Against the Storm - deep gameplay with a short play loop? YES!"
Profession: Developer Relations and Business Development at WINGS, and currently also studying law part-time
Astrid Refstrup
What is your background?
"Previously, I had my indie studio, Triple Topping, and worked as an advisor to the game fund Kowloon Nights. I also served on the board of Global Game Jam and participated in many game jams and community events."
"... working in games wasn't an exact dream, I wanted to direct movies or make comics. I think working with visual storytelling was always a dream of mine, and in a way, that's also what I ended up doing in my game studio."
Why did you start working in the games industry?
"I created my game studio, Triple Topping, right out of university - I would NOT recommend it, but still, everyone keeps doing it, haha. Starting my own studio together with my co-founder Simon Stålhandske felt very natural; we did a lot of game jams together. I always loved creating organizations and bringing people together, while my co-founder is an amazing game designer and programmer. I studied Visual Communication at the Royal Danish Design School, working in games wasn't an exact dream, I wanted to direct movies or make comics. I think working with visual storytelling was always a dream of mine, and in a way, that's also what I ended up doing in my game studio. Over the years, I also discovered that I love how I can combine creative passion with business in the games industry. Running a game studio led me to start my law studies. There isn't a day that I don't find myself in awe and inspired by people around me. I've definitely had hard times in the industry, like closing my studio after a year of hospital stays, but overall, I love every minute of it."
How has working in the industry been for you?
"As a female studio founder, I've faced many challenges. Our industry still struggles to move beyond biases, and our society is not structured for equality. In games, this is reflected in challenges when raising capital and ensuring workplace safety. Raising money is not easy - and it's even more complicated when you’re pregnant and starting a family. However, the positive change I see in the games industry now, is that conversations around these topics are more welcome. I'm also tremendously proud to work at WINGS, where I can put my own experiences into actions that hopefully benefit other women and the industry as a whole. For every obstacle I've faced, there have been many kind and smart people who have helped me out, and I think this speaks to the whole industry, and it's why I would also recommend others to join."
"For every obstacle I've faced, there have been many kind and smart people who have helped me out, and I think this speaks to the whole industry, and it's why I would also recommend others to join."
What is a day in your work life like?
"I work from home, and I love it! It would take a lot for me to go back to an office. Because I have small kids, my workdays are very structured. I start and end at the same time every day, having Wednesdays for international calls. My main focus is supporting our developers at WINGS, which can involve anything from feedback on release strategies, to advice on building the best team for the studio. Currently, I'm looking at some very exciting games I hope to sign before the end of the year, and our Women's Day Steam Sale in March next year. I handle a variety of tasks as we're a small team, and I like that."
What’s best with your job?
"The best part is, without a doubt, that I get to play a role in the release of many different games - each studio and game we work with teaches me something new and valuable."
How would you advise others that want a job like yours to pursue it?
"Some people in a role like mine might have taken education that fits the job, but at the end of the day, it's all about staying curious and paying it forward."
The WeMakeGames interview series allow individuals in the games industry to tell their story - about their current work, how they got to where they are, and why they believe the games industry is such an enjoyable industry to work in. We move beyond programmers and level designers, to showcase the wide range of roles making up the studios creating some of the world’s best games – right here in south Sweden!