Exclusive AviaGames Interview with CEO Vickie Chen on Women-Led Games

Earlier this month, Vickie Chen, founder and CEO of AviaGames, sat down with Women-Led Games to reflect on her journey in mobile gaming. The conversation wasn't just about company milestones. She talked openly about building AviaGames around two ideas she cares about deeply, community and purpose — even when that approach didn't follow the most obvious growth playbook. Instead of chasing trends, she focused on titles like Solitaire Clash and Bingo Tour, games designed not only to compete, but to bring players together and occasionally give something back.

She also spoke candidly about what drives the company internally; how decisions are shaped not just by growth targets, but by values the team actually debates and refines over time.

Early on, something felt off to her that she couldn't quite ignore. Most games at the time seemed to be built for "hardcore" players. She loved games, but she just didn't see herself in them. She kept circling back on the same question, one that many players have likely encountered: why does "competitive" have to have such a high threshold? In other words, why can't competitive games be both challenging and easy to pick up?

Fast forward to 2016. A garage in Mountain View. Two desks they built themselves on too much coffee and not enough sleep. That's where AviaGames began: not as a grand industry disruption, but as an experiment: could skill-based games actually feel open to everyone?

It didn't explode overnight; it grew. Slowly, then faster. Today, the company publishes multiple titles in-house and has a team where more than 40% are women, many in leadership roles. That mix has shaped the culture in ways that don't always show up on a feature list or patch note, but players tend to sense it anyway.

When asked which title is her favorite, Vickie admits it's hard to choose. But one game stands out: Solitaire Clash.

Solitaire Clash has grown steadily over the years, now surpassing 60 million downloads and hosting hundreds of millions of tournaments each month. It regularly appears near the top of its genre rankings on iOS and the Galaxy Store. Its performance suggests that fair competition and thoughtful design still matter to a wide audience, a success often noted in mobile gaming news, reinforcing the game's lasting impact.

What really sets Solitaire Clash apart is the way its community shows up — through special events and initiatives that extend into ongoing AviaGames community engagement. Players aren't just competing; they're participating in initiatives that support meaningful causes.

One thing Vickie made clear: mobile gaming isn't slowing down anytime soon. Unlike console or PC titles that revolve around major release cycles, mobile games demand constant attention, frequent updates, and ongoing live content to keep players engaged. In Western markets, audiences divide their time across platforms, and mobile games don't just compete with other apps; they compete with how and when people choose to play. That pressure means development, marketing, and community teams have to stay closely aligned, not just in theory, but day to day, a common occurrence in gaming industry news.

This is where AviaGames' approach stands out: regular game updates help maintain momentum while reinforcing a sense of connection between players and the brand. Over time, that consistency has helped build real loyalty among players.

When the conversation turned to AviaGames' nonprofit partnerships, Vickie explained that it all started with a simple idea, turning everyday gameplay into real-world impact. In September 2025, the team partnered with Nevada SPCA, a respected no-kill shelter, to launch the Play for Paws campaign. Every match played in the Solitaire Clash and Bingo Tour added to the donation total. Players didn't have to do anything special, just play as usual — and their participation helped generate over $220,000 and 14,000 pounds of dog food in donations.

The year concluded with AviaGames' Wonderland Wishes campaign in partnership with Foster Love. Over five weeks, each theme gave players a new way to turn gameplay into something tangible. Through this event, AviaGames and its players raised $136,000 to support foster youth. To help broaden the impact beyond the app, AviaGames partnered with foster care advocate and content creator Leo Gonzalez to produce storytelling-driven content, culminating in an in-person volunteer charity event with Foster Love scholars and community members.

The campaign also introduced the AviaGames initiative Beyond the Game, a YouTube documentary series highlighting real players and reinforcing the idea that mobile gaming can be both entertaining and deeply human.

Vickie Chen was named a finalist for the 2025 Stevie Women in Business Awards. The recognition speaks to the role her leadership has played in shaping the company's direction. She's become one of the more visible female leaders in the space. She has focused on building games that are competitive, accessible, and rooted in fairness, while keeping players and the community at the center of every decision.

As AviaGames approaches its 10th anniversary, the company is actively planning and preparing a new round of charity and community-focused partnerships to ring in this milestone. With continuous innovation, regular game updates, and an expanding focus on social good, AviaGames still stands out in mobile gaming news. Stay connected through AviaGames' official channels for updates on upcoming campaigns and community-driven initiatives.