Cheryl Platz has been named one of this year’s 50 Hungama Game Changers in the Gaming cohort in recognition of her ground-breaking work on her books The Game Development Strategy Guide and Design Beyond Devices, her game dev podcast Enduring Play, and her continued contributions as a game developer, content creator, and video game academic. A jury-curated award administered by Hungama Digital Media, this award recognizes women across the fields of music, video, and gaming annually.

From the official press release:

The intersection of culture and commerce is where the most transformative stories live and this year’s Hungama Game Changers embody that truth with extraordinary depth. From pioneering musicians to visionary game designers and storytelling powerhouses, each of these women is not just participating in the entertainment industry; they are actively reshaping it.

Nirmika Singh, Founder and CEO, MOX Asia

What strikes me most about this year’s cohort is their fearlessness. These women have not waited for permission, they have built, created, and led on their own terms, often in spaces where they were the only woman in the room.

Preeta Sukhtankar, Marketing and Brand Advisor – Foxtale, Founder – The Label Life

The winners of Hungama Game Changers 2026 will be featured across Hungama Digital Media’s platforms through interviews and podcasts.

According to their website, “Hungama is South Asia’s leading entertainment destination and as such we believe that to encourage more women in executive, creative, behind the scenes and screens leadership roles in entertainment, we must amplify the women who have been game changers to the world of entertainment as outstanding creative professionals, executives, founders, creators and gamers. This is an exciting opportunity for us to create and build the role models to serve as inspiration for young women of this community. Our intention is to celebrate 50 game changers from the field of entertainment – Cinema, Music and Gaming annually.”