Tetris CEO Maya Rogers Discusses Importance of Women in Gaming

Maya Rogers has been leading Tetris as CEO since 2014. Her father, Henk Rogers, co-founded The Tetris Company with Tetris creator Alexey Pajitnov in 1996. Maya’s upbringing was intertwined with Tetris due to her father’s company, but she didn’t see her position as CEO predetermined. She shared with Refinery29 Australia at the 2025 Red Bull Tetris Semi Finals in Dubai that various circumstances led her to work for Tetris.

Gaming has long been dominated by men, with statistics like the 2024 Australian Game & Development Survey showing only 22% of women in the industry. In contrast, the 2025 Australia Plays report noted that 51% of Australian video game players are female. Maya, being a woman in a leadership role, stresses the importance of gender diversity in the gaming industry. She questions the gender balance within the industry, advocating for more women game designers to cater to the diverse gaming audience.

Maya acknowledges a shift towards more women in leadership roles in the gaming industry, citing the appointment of Devon Pritchard as the first woman President and CEO of Nintendo in America. She believes change is happening and encourages more girls to pursue careers in gaming. Partnering with Red Bull has allowed Tetris to reach a global audience and showcase the game’s appeal across different demographics.

Tetris, known for its universal love across all ages, continues to resonate with players worldwide, with a significant demographic falling within the 18-25 age range. The game remains evergreen by being available on various platforms and consoles. Maya’s passion for Tetris was evident at the Red Bull Tetris World Final, where players competed on a drone-powered game, capturing a historic gaming moment.

Tetris, a game that brings people together regardless of gender, reflects Maya’s vision for a more inclusive gaming industry with diverse decision-makers. While the representation of women in gaming leadership roles is essential to mirror the gaming audience, the admiration for games like Tetris transcends gender boundaries.