Alex Botez on giving back to female chess community and launching Chess video game

Chess star Alexandra Botez has given an update on the progress of her chess video game, and also revealed why she’s so keen to give back to other creators.

If you want to start a game of chess, you can simply grab a chessboard or use online services like Chess.com to match with other players. Though you still have to have some basic training in the game of Chess to find success.

Speaking to Dexerto, Botez revealed that her chess-themed video game, which might lower that barrier to entry with chess, is still in the works.

“I am still super excited to launch the chess video game. That is going to come out some point next year,” she said. “We’re going to be playtesting soon, but the rest we’re keeping pretty secret for now.”

Giving back to the chess scene

Botez has always tried to bring new eyes and players to the chess scene. She has hosted a number of tournaments for female players, helping put other creators in the spotlight. 

“A big reason why I wanted to give back to the community is because Susan Polgar really encouraged me and my girlfriends to play chess when I was young. So, I wanted to make sure that I give back to the next generation,” she added.

“I think it’s going to impact the next generation of players, for example, with the streamers who played in the tournament that I started off. They’re still streaming and it’s their full-time thing today. At least it helped get more females into the chess content creation space, and that has a huge impact because they’re changing the face of who looks like the typical chess player.”

Special thanks to Credit One Bank for sponsoring this as we sat down with Alexandra to reflect on giving back to the chess community – and that all-important update about the future. 

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