Esports has struggled with diversity and inclusivity, with young, white, male players making up the majority of professional gamers. However, efforts are being made to break down the barriers that have traditionally kept certain groups out of the industry. Some organizations and initiatives working to promote diversity in esports include Women in Games International, Black Girl Gamers, and Riot Games’ diversity and inclusion initiatives. These efforts are helping to bring more diverse voices to the industry, paving the way for growth and innovation. It’s up to everyone in the esports community to continue working towards a more inclusive future.
Esports and Diversity: How the Industry is Breaking Down Barriers
Esports, or competitive video gaming, has exploded in popularity in recent years, with millions of people around the world tuning in to watch professional players compete in popular games like League of Legends, Overwatch, and CS:GO. But like many areas of the tech industry, esports has long struggled with issues of diversity and inclusivity.
The Lack of Diversity in Esports
For years, esports has been primarily dominated by young, white, male players. In a 2019 survey conducted by the International Game Developers Association, only 16% of respondents identified as women, with the majority of respondents identifying as male. Likewise, only 2% and 1% of respondents identified as Black or African American and Hispanic or Latinx, respectively.
This lack of diversity in esports can be traced back to a number of factors, including societal biases that discourage women and people of color from pursuing careers in STEM fields, as well as long-standing cultural attitudes within the gaming community itself that can be hostile towards anyone who doesn’t fit the stereotypical gamer mold.
The Push for Diversity and Inclusion
Thankfully, the esports community has realized the need for greater diversity and inclusion, and efforts are being made to break down the barriers that have traditionally kept certain groups out of the industry. Some of the organizations and initiatives working to promote diversity in esports include:
Women in Games International
Women In Games International (WIGI) is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting diversity and inclusion in the gaming industry. WIGI provides resources, education, and networking opportunities to women who are interested in pursuing careers in gaming and esports.
Black Girl Gamers
Black Girl Gamers is a community of Black women who love video games and are working to promote greater representation and inclusivity within the gaming industry. The group provides resources, events, and networking opportunities for Black women who want to get involved in esports and gaming.
Riot Games’ D&I Initiatives
Riot Games, the developer behind the popular MOBA game League of Legends, has made diversity and inclusion a core part of its mission. The company has implemented a number of initiatives aimed at promoting greater diversity and inclusivity within the gaming industry, including mentorship programs, employee resource groups, and diversity training for managers and employees.
Breaking Down Barriers in Esports
These and other efforts are helping to break down the barriers that have traditionally kept women and people of color from participating in esports. As more and more diverse voices are able to enter the industry, the possibilities for growth and innovation are endless.
Ultimately, it’s up to everyone in the esports community to continue working towards a more inclusive future. Whether you’re a game developer, a professional player, or just a fan, there are things you can do to promote diversity and inclusivity in esports. By supporting organizations that are dedicated to the cause, speaking out against bigotry and discrimination, and actively working to make esports a more welcoming and inclusive space, we can help build a better future for everyone in the industry.