On April 21, the Congress of Mexico City awarded the Medal of Merit in the Arts to nine outstanding Mexicans, among them Dr. Ruth Sofía Contreras, who has dedicated two decades to video game research.
This medal recognizes the doctor’s career that consolidates the intersection between design and digital culture, as well as her contribution to strengthening professional communities between Mexico and Catalonia.
In an interview with Mexican Press Agency (MxPA), Dr. Ruth Contreras highlighted the importance of research in the area of video games: “It is important to study video games because they are a medium of culture, of communication, and a medium that helps us learn.”
The researcher laments the stigma surrounding the topic and mentions it as a barrier to broadening the discussion. “Just by playing a game, one doesn’t become a gambling addict or violent,” she told MxPA.
Dr. Ruth also highlighted the importance of video games in showcasing each country’s culture. In the case of Mexico, she mentioned the video game Pancito Merge, which celebrates Mexican breadmaking traditions and invites everyone to learn more about Mexican culture through its gastronomy.
“In the case of Mexico, we can see more and more works created by developers who demonstrate the cultural richness of the country,” he commented.
Dr. Ruth Sofía Contreras also received recognition from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 2020 for her outstanding career abroad. With 25 years in Spain, she has strengthened ties between the two nations and showcased the talent of Mexicans.
The researcher also celebrated the shift in perceptions of Mexicans that has occurred over the past two decades: “The stereotype (of the Mexican) was that of the sombrero and zarape, lazy. Now, that view has changed. They even see us as very ambitious people; it’s thanks to the work of many of us who have migrated. We know how to be professional, we know how to be leaders. Mexicans can excel anywhere if we set our minds to it.”
The prominent Mexican woman called on Mexican institutions to follow the example of other countries and support the national video game industry with tax incentives. She also mentioned the need for better organization of support and collaboration between the Mexican government and video game developers.
“Unfortunately, what’s happening now, and what’s happening in Europe, is that many Mexicans, who are very valuable in the video game industry, are migrating and going to work for large companies there. An incredible amount of talent is being lost that could be harnessed right here if these kinds of support and incentives were provided,” the researcher pointed out.
Dr. Ruth Contreras, along with Dr. Blanca López, preside over DIGRA Mx, a video game research association in Mexico that is part of an international organization with the same purpose: to be a meeting point for researchers, academics, students and video game professionals to foster international collaboration.
With this well-deserved recognition, the outstanding Mexican woman is redoubling her efforts, which will materialize in Mexico at the 4th International Congress Digra Mx 2026, entitled Simulation, Games and Digital Society, which will take place from June 29 to July 3 in Mexico City.
Related: Mexico is on Its Way to Becoming a Creative Powerhouse with Game Conference MX 2025
