Diversity and Inclusion in the Game Industry
Creating a diverse workforce is essential, but its true value lies not just in representation—it requires intentionally leveraging those varied perspectives to shape meaningful player experiences. This principle was highlighted during a compelling discussion at the GamesBeat Summit 2017 focused on diversity and leadership.
A Deeper Dive into Industry Experiences
The Importance of Meaningful Diversity
Moderator Guy Bendov, CEO of Side-Kick Games, underscored that mere workforce representation does little to enhance game design unless it informs the creative process. This viewpoint emerged in response to significant global events following a contentious U.S. presidential election cycle.
South African Context: Co-founder of Vlambeer, Rami Ismail illustrated this point with an anecdote from his time visiting a South African game development school:
- He advised students: “Dropping out is ultimately your own decision…”
- This seemingly neutral response was misinterpreted by the teacher as unprofessional.
- Insight: Ismail emphasized that advice must consider local context—especially consequences like dropping out in Johannesburg versus his native Netherlands.
Corporate Voices: Asra Rasheed, Disney’s executive producer (from “respect their elders” backgrounds), shared another crucial perspective:
- She recounted a moment at E3 where she witnessed TV host LeVar Burton scheduling an appointment;
- Rasheed remained silent despite being the CEO of Reading Rainbow.
- Turning point: When LeVar defended her role as his “fucking CEO,” it sparked an important realization for Rasheed about speaking up, particularly during critical moments like fundraising discussions.
Key Leadership Takeaways
Ismail stressed that effective leaders must first acknowledge their own privilege:
- Recognize inherent advantages (language fluency, economic stability)
- Prioritize “recruiting people with intent” for building long-term inclusive cultures
He further advised: “Having diverse perspectives… will make your organization stronger.” This perspective aligns with modern understanding that inclusion drives innovation and improves game accessibility.
Additionally, Asli Burak (CEO of Power Play) noted the importance of leadership optimism in driving change. She suggested today’s environment requires leaders to actively champion diversity rather than remain silent.
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