Toy manufacturer, Mattel made waves this morning by revealed an incredibly progressive line of new Barbie dolls due for release throughout 2016. In addition to the usual fashion-savvy Barbie dolls that fans are used to was a new doll portraying Barbie as a game developer.
Of course, seeing a career-based Barbie doll is hardly news as the character has for decades been seen pursuing ambitious careers in science, medicine, and even space exploration in an attempt to inspire girls (and guys) to be the best they can be and strive to be amazing in any career they choose. This is the first time Barbie has really pursued anything so down-to-earth and related to a specific sort of career in technology though and after all of the hubbub over sexism claims in the games and tech industry, it couldn’t have come at a better time.
Game Developer Barbie is seen sporting red hair and thick glasses (ironically still relying on some game developer stereotypes) but also seems reasonably fashionable with her down-to-earth look and trendy laptop (Microsoft should get some partnership going with Mattel and make sure she ships with her own Surface Pro). Barbie is due to start her new career in videogame development sometime in summer 2016.
Do you think this is a step in the right direction? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
