Breaking Down Walls: Debbie Bestwick, a trailblazing woman in the male-dominated video game industry, is revolutionizing the perception of leadership. As the CEO of Team17, a prominent UK-based game developer and publisher, Bestwick’s impending departure marks the end of a remarkable 30-year career. Widely recognized for her successful titles, including Worms and Overcooked, she leaves behind a legacy as the longest-serving female CEO in the $200 billion video game industry.
Unfortunately, the video game sector continues to grapple with issues of discrimination and abuse towards women, both internally and among players. Bestwick acknowledges the heightened pressure and scrutiny that women face in the industry, stating, “One of the hardest things being a woman in games, and probably in business, is we do have to prove ourselves much harder — much, much harder.” In light of recent #MeToo movements in Hollywood, major game companies like Activision Blizzard, Ubisoft, and Riot Games have faced allegations of fostering toxic environments for women.
However, Bestwick remains optimistic about the gradual improvement in the industry’s treatment of women. Alongside other female game executives, such as Laura Miele, President of EA Entertainment, Technology & Central Development, she emphasizes the progress being made. Although the chief executive role still proves elusive for many women, more are attaining senior management positions and contributing to transformations in boardrooms. Miele affirms, “I see change happening at the leadership layers,” pointing to her own journey as evidence of industry growth.
Bestwick’s unique path to success further distinguishes her within the gaming world. From her early fascination with video games like Pac-Man and Space Invaders to her avid study of business moguls like James Goldsmith and Sir Richard Branson, Bestwick’s deep-rooted love for gaming and business laid the foundation for her extraordinary career. Beginning as a teenager, she joined a local independent games shop in Nottingham and swiftly rose to become its manager. Her pivotal role in the shop’s acquisition by Microbyte propelled her into the world of games publishing, ultimately leading her to co-found Team17.
Operating initially in the Amiga market, Team17’s breakthrough came with the sensational success of Worms in 1995. This inventive and humor-filled franchise, featuring cartoon characters engaged in chaotic battles, captured the imaginations of players worldwide and catapulted the company to new heights. While the game’s triumph brought significant changes and challenges for Team17’s youthful management team, it also solidified their reputation as the go-to game developers. Bestwick fondly states, “Worms changed my life overnight. We went from working with lots of different developers to being ‘the Worms company’.”
Despite Team17’s early turbulence and fluctuating growth, Bestwick recognized the opportune moment to transform the company. With the emergence of more accessible development tools and digital storefronts, gaming began gaining mainstream recognition. Team17 transitioned back to its roots as a publisher, supporting talent from both internal and external sources. Bestwick drew inspiration from the music and film industry’s ability to assemble the right teams, ensuring the success of games like The Escapists.
Team17’s successful IPO in 2018 validated Bestwick’s strategic vision and leadership. The company’s revenue had soared to £29.6 million, with Worms alone generating an average of £5 million annually between 2009 and 2017. Bestwick’s stake in the business, which she still holds, is now valued at over £100 million. Despite her financial success, she remains grounded and insists that material possessions have never been her driving force. Bestwick’s commitment to her team is evident in her decision to reinvest her IPO proceeds and focus on maintaining a non-materialistic lifestyle.
While Bestwick’s tenure at Team17 has been largely celebrated, the company has faced criticism for alleged low pay and demanding work conditions. Reports surfaced last year, prompting investigations into the matter. Team17 has stated that their salaries are competitive and benchmarked against industry standards. Bestwick, whose total remuneration increased by 30% last year, remains firm in her dedication to addressing any issues that arise. For her, money has never been the motivation, and she proudly declares, “I’ve lived a non-materialistic life.”
Debbie Bestwick’s journey as a female leader in the video game industry has shattered barriers and transformed perceptions. Her resilience, passion, and unwavering determination have carved a path for future generations of women in gaming. As she prepares to step down as CEO of Team17, her legacy will continue to inspire and empower talented women seeking to make their mark in this male-dominated sector.
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