The Game Developers Conference (GDC) 2022 held a panel session on diversity and inclusivity in gaming featuring experts from the gaming industry. The panelists discussed the need for better representation, inclusive hiring practices and mentorship for underrepresented groups, and addressing the issue of harassment and toxicity in the gaming community. The panelists stressed the importance of creating a more welcoming and inclusive space for all players and developers. The discussion provided insights and ideas for making gaming a more diverse and inclusive environment, with the panelists recognizing everyone has a role to play in creating a better gaming community.

Industry Experts Discuss Diversity and Inclusivity in Gaming at GDC 2022 Panel

San Francisco, CA – The Game Developers Conference (GDC) 2022 held a panel session on diversity and inclusivity in gaming on Wednesday, October 26, 2022. The panel featured experts from the gaming industry who shared their thoughts and insights on how to create a more inclusive and diverse gaming environment.

Panelists

• Megan Gaiser – CEO of Contagious Creatives and former CEO of Her Interactive
• Rami Ismail – Independent game developer and co-founder of Vlambeer
• Tanya DePass – Founder of I Need Diverse Games
• Ria Singh – Senior Game Designer at Ubisoft

Discussion Points

The panelists discussed several key areas related to diversity and inclusivity in gaming:

Representation in Games

One of the key areas the panelists discussed was the need for better representation in games. The panelists stressed the importance of having diverse characters in games and creating games that are reflective of the real world.

“Representation matters,” said Tanya DePass, “When players see themselves represented in games, it can have a huge impact on their experience.”

Barriers to Entry

The panelists also discussed the barriers to entry that exist for marginalized groups in the gaming industry. They talked about the need for more inclusive hiring practices and providing mentorship and support for underrepresented groups.

“We need to create a more welcoming and inclusive environment for new developers,” said Rami Ismail.

Harassment and Toxicity

Another important area the panelists touched on was the issue of harassment and toxicity in the gaming community. They spoke about the need for better moderation and reporting tools in online games and social media platforms, as well as the importance of educating players on online behavior.

Conclusion

The panel was a valuable discussion on the importance of diversity and inclusivity in gaming. The panelists provided insights and ideas for making gaming a more welcoming and inclusive space for all players and developers.

“We all have a role to play in creating a better gaming community,” said Megan Gaiser, “It’s up to all of us to make sure that everyone feels welcome and valued.”