Diversity and inclusion are crucial components of creating a successful and engaging gaming industry. With nearly half of game players in the United States being women, it is evident that the player community is diverse and multifaceted. Aubrey Quinn, SVP of communications and public affairs at ESA, emphasizes the importance of creating games that appeal to this diverse audience, highlighting that there are no „girl games“ or „boy games.“
At the second annual Diversity in Gaming Lunch hosted by the Entertainment Software Association at the GamesBeat Summit 2024, industry leaders came together to discuss their efforts towards promoting equity and inclusion in the game industry. Farah Sutton, director of diversity and inclusion at Riot Games, emphasized the need for authenticity in creating content that resonates with players‘ identities. This approach ensures that games are not only enjoyable for gameplay but also reflect the diverse backgrounds of the players.
Chanel Ward, director of global diversity, equity, and inclusion at Take-Two, shared insights into creating characters that reflect the real world in games like NBA2K and Top Spin. Building relationships with diverse communities and being emotionally intelligent in representing them in games is essential for fostering inclusivity.
Laura Teclemariam, senior director of product management at LinkedIn, highlighted the importance of having a diverse team in game development. By including individuals with different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives, teams can create games that appeal to a broader audience and promote a sense of belonging for all team members.
Developers in decision-making roles have a responsibility to ensure that their teams reflect the real world. This includes intentionally seeking out diverse talent and considering the perspectives of consultants who can provide valuable insights. By moving towards skills-based hiring and creating inclusive environments, the gaming industry can open doors for candidates from various backgrounds.
To drive change in the industry, the panelists at the Diversity in Gaming Lunch offered actionable steps for game industry professionals. Recognizing what you don’t know, seeking help from experts, and fostering a culture of inclusivity are key components of promoting diversity and inclusion in game development. By aligning leadership around a vision, providing training on creating safe spaces, holding accountability for culture goals, and celebrating diversity, companies can make meaningful strides towards inclusivity.
As the gaming industry continues to evolve, there is a significant opportunity to be more intentional about creating a culture that values diversity and understands the importance of representation in games. By building cultural competency, fostering open conversations around identity and diversity, and celebrating progress, the industry can continue to move towards a more inclusive future. It is essential to acknowledge the diversity in the room, build social skills for navigating conversations around identity, and create a supportive environment for all team members.
In conclusion, the journey towards diversity and inclusion in the gaming industry is ongoing, but progress is being made. By celebrating achievements, learning from mistakes, and continuing to prioritize inclusivity, the industry can create games that resonate with a diverse player community and foster a sense of belonging for all involved.