Lisa Newon George, Ph.D.
About Lisa Newon George, Ph.D.
Lisa Newon George, Ph.D., is the Co-Founder and Director of Insights at Vela Games. With a background in anthropology and extensive experience in the gaming industry, she focuses on enhancing multiplayer gaming experiences and advocating for non-toxic game design.
Work at Vela Games
Lisa Newon George, Ph.D., serves as the Co-Founder and Director of Insights at Vela Games since 2018. In this role, she focuses on redefining multiplayer gaming experiences for core gamers by leveraging innovative insights. Her work emphasizes the intersection of global communities of play and digital technologies, aiming to create engaging and inclusive gaming environments.
Education and Expertise
Lisa Newon George holds a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Anthropology from the University of California, Los Angeles, where she studied from 2008 to 2014. She also earned a Master of Arts (MA) in Anthropology from the University of Arizona, completing her studies from 2006 to 2008. Additionally, she obtained a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Anthropology from UCLA, graduating in 2006. Her academic background informs her deep interest in the cultural and communicative aspects of gaming.
Background
Before co-founding Vela Games, Lisa Newon George had an extensive academic career. She worked as a Researcher and Lecturer at the University of California, Los Angeles, from 2008 to 2014. Prior to that, she served as an Undergraduate Researcher at UCLA from 2003 to 2006. She transitioned to the gaming industry after working at Riot Games as Insights Lead in Dublin, Ireland, from 2015 to 2017, and as a Community Intern in Los Angeles in 2009.
Achievements
Lisa Newon George has been involved in discussions and advocacy for non-toxic game design. She has spoken publicly about the impact of game design on player stress and community toxicity. Her efforts focus on preventing toxicity in games and promoting the importance of cooperative gameplay, reflecting her commitment to enhancing player experiences in the gaming community.