Amy Hennig: Leading lady in a man's world

Too often, women don't get the recognition they deserve. They work hard, most times behind the scenes and never seek to be recognized. Men across the globe who are successful, will tell you it's because of a strong woman behind them that's the reason they were able to endure the stresses that come along with any venture. They are smart, talented, blessed, and innovative. They've also left huge marks in the gaming industry, and today, GameThirst honors the lady that's breathing new life in the market, and into you living rooms, with the awesome Uncharted 2: Among Thieves title. Take some time and honor the stellar lady with us, Amy Hennig of Naughty Dog.

Statistics say women are not that into gaming. Although they've warmed up to the form of entertainment, it never really could grab and keep them. We reckon they hang around Amy for 24hrs, and surely, their minds will do a 180 degree turn.

She is part creative director and part game director at Naughty Dog, no wonder really, since she's been in the industry for over 17years, her skills can't be held to one department. At the company, her focus is to make sure that the big vision of any game they're working on translate into story, characters and cinematics. In brief, her main focus is on story and writing, and working with the actors.

Amy started out as an artist and animator in the 8 and 16-bit era before moving into the game design field. The leading lady's big break came while working at EA in a role which overtime lead her to Crystal Dynamics, where she was first a design manager and later director, leading development of the third-person action-adventure game Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver.

Yes, there are many leading ladies in the gaming industry, from Jillian Goldberg VP of marketing at Bioware/Pandemic Studios, to Laura Fryer executive producer at Microsoft Game Studios, but none stands out like Amy. None so interactive, none so cool. As a guy, you want to hang with the power-house that's Amy Hennig and get your butt whipped in Uncharted 2's multiplayer online. It'd be okay, after all it's Amy, who cares right? As long as you're next to the legendary woman, nothing else matters.

She'll be in your living rooms for years to come, whether it's Uncharted, Jak and Daxter or an all new IP, remember some of the greatest moments in videogames were brought to you not by Hideo Kojima, (although he's a boss) not by Gabe Newell, Not the gangsters at Rockstar or Infinity Ward, no, some of the most memorable times you'll play now and in the future will be compliments of Amy Hennig. Hats off to you lady, you make us proud.

Video Games | Uncharted 2: Among Thieves | PAX 09: Creative Director Interview HD

10/27/09 Ernice Gilbert

Look out for the brand new website coming January 2010: www.gamesthirst.com. Tailor-made just for you.