Diversity and inclusion efforts in the gaming industry develop a welcoming environment for game studios which reflects its international presence. The video game industry touches the lives of millions globally, from different age groups, countries, and cultures. As the industry grows, diversity in game development creates an inclusive environment for all, as well as a business strategy that caters to the entire world, instead of a single culture.

This article explores the multifaceted role of diversity and inclusion within this space, examining diversity in video games, the current status of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts, and how game developers benefit from incorporating these values into their creations.

Why is Diversity Important in the Gaming Industry?

Diversity in the gaming industry ensures a broader representation of cultures, experiences, and perspectives, which enriches game content and enhances creativity. A diverse workforce within game studios leads to a wider range of ideas, which can translate into more innovative and engaging game mechanics and narratives. For instance, building a global team with members from different backgrounds can help in crafting authentic characters and stories that resonate with a global audience, thus broadening the appeal and accessibility of video games. Moreover, diversity helps address the lack of representation that has historically been a point of contention in the entertainment industry. This makes diversity both a considerate, humanitarian act and a business strategy to attract a wider audience, thereby increasing market reach and potential revenue.

Gaming companies can create more inclusive games that reflect the real-world diversity of their players by including protagonists or playable characters as ethnic minorities, including gender-ambiguous characters such as the mysterious, lovable, “Morgana” from Persona 5, by character designer Shigenori Soejima of Atlus, or characters that break stereotypes such as the stoic and fearless, “Lightning” in Final Fantasy 13, a character created by Japanese game director, Motomu Toriyama of Square Enix.

Why is Inclusivity Important in Video Games?

Inclusivity in video games is important because it creates an environment where all players feel represented and valued. This can involve a diverse cast of characters or the thoughtful integration of game features that cater to players with disabilities, such as colorblind modes, subtitles, and customizable control schemes. Inclusive game design acknowledges the range of human diversity and strives to make gaming accessible to everyone, including gamers with mental and physical disabilities.

Inclusivity also combats toxic behavior and harmful stereotypes that can alienate players, creating a healthier gaming community where all members can enjoy their experiences without fear of harassment or discrimination. Game developers and companies can also implement community guidelines and employ moderation tools to create safer online spaces, where respect and diversity are upheld. Creating inclusivity is important for game studios thinking about revenue and player retention, as toxic environments can repel players from the game.

What is DEI in Gaming?

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in gaming refers to concerted efforts by video game companies to ensure that their workplaces and outputs reflect the diversity of the wider community. The “equity” in DEI, means recognizing social inequalities and acting to resolve them through making opportunities as fair as possible, or diversity and inclusion. DEI initiatives can include mentorship programs to support minority game developers, recruitment practices aimed at increasing diversity in game development teams, and training sessions to raise awareness about cultural sensitivity.

These efforts extend to feedback when it comes to game content and marketing strategies, ensuring that diversity in games is portrayed thoughtfully and respectfully, thereby avoiding cultural misrepresentation and stereotypes. Companies like Electronic Arts have been integrating DEI strategies in their development process, which has led to the creation of popular and culturally diverse games like the "Miles Morales" Spiderman series, which features a Black Hispanic protagonist. Other games have included romance options with different sexual orientations such as what we’ve seen in CD Projekt Red’s Cyberpunk 2077 title, acknowledging the existence of different communities around the world.

How Do Game Developers Address Diversity and Representation in Games?

Game developers address diversity and representation by integrating a wide range of characters and storylines that include various ethnicities, genders, sexual orientations, and more. This can be achieved through the inclusion of cultural consultants and sensitivity readers in the creative process, ensuring that representations are accurate and do not perpetuate stereotypes.

Furthermore, inclusion in video games is being addressed through the development of game mechanics that are accessible to a broader audience, including people with disabilities. Game developers can adopt adaptive technologies and design games that offer a variety of difficulty settings, multiple subtitle language options, control customization options, and visual aids or opacity and font size settings that cater to different needs.

Playgig's Commitment to DEI

At Playgig, we believe that diversity enriches our work and strengthens our company. Here are some of the concrete actions we take to foster DEI:

• Diverse Interview Panels: Every interview process begins with a diverse panel of candidates to ensure fair and consistent evaluation.
• Metrics: We regularly report diversity metrics to our board of directors, holding ourselves accountable for progress.
• Characters: Our debut game, Mystic Kingdoms, features a diverse cast of characters from all backgrounds, reflecting the world we live in.
• Zero Tolerance: We have a zero-tolerance policy for negative behavior and actively safeguard our DEI efforts as a core company value.

A Personal Perspective

As the Founder and CEO of Playgig, my commitment to DEI is both professional and personal. My previous experience leading DEI efforts at Riot Games, along with my personal life as a father of three daughters and an immigrant, have instilled in me the importance of fostering inclusive environments. I've seen firsthand how DEI transforms workplaces and products for the better.

The gaming industry has made strides in recent years, but there's still work to be done.  By prioritizing diversity and inclusion, game developers can create a future where everyone feels welcome, represented, and empowered to play.  This is not just a vision for the future; it's a commitment we're making every day at Playgig.

International Careers at Playgig Inc.

The importance of diversity and inclusion in the gaming industry cannot be overstated. They are components that not only enhance the creative and business aspects of gaming but also ensure that it remains a form of entertainment that is enjoyable and accessible to all. As the industry continues to grow, the hope is that diversity and inclusion will become integral to the ethos of every game studio, reflecting the rich tapestry of the global community.

Playgig offers international job opportunities in game design and development. Our team members work from all over the world. From Los Angeles and Rio de Janeiro to Lisbon and Ho Chi Minh in the Asia Pacific, we have a global team that welcomes diverse, skilled talent. For those interested in a career in the gaming industry, see our open positions at Playgig.

Interested in the game development industry? I’m Bruno Schirch, Founder and CEO of Playgig, dedicated to sharing professional gaming industry insights, updates, and my entrepreneurial journey. Subscribe to my blog in order to stay up-to-date, or join our gaming communities on Discord, Instagram, and X to continue this enriching conversation.

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