Diversity and Inclusion: Transforming Gaming and Esports
One of the things in gaming and esports that is constantly changing – no, not just graphics or controllers. People behind the screen! We are starting to see a diverse and inclusive environment in the gaming community from past developers down-to-the-players enthusiasts.
Key Takeaways
- Gaming is Becoming More Inclusive: No longer is diversity a point of contention; the industry has started to warm up and create games that break through traditional boundaries while fostering new environments aimed at people from all backgrounds, genders & orientations.
- Anonymity Supports Identity Exploration: Online anonymity gives gamers the opportunity to be themselves and express who they really are without fear of being judged, which makes gaming a desirable environment in expanding gendered sexuality.
- Education Plays a Role: Not all hope is vanquished, as universities such as Staffordshire are now educating students regarding diversity and inclusion in gaming with an aim to empower them and bring about social change.
- Diverse Characters and Stories Are Increasing: Games are becoming more inclusive especially when it comes to the characters in them as well as their stories, which makes them enjoyable for a larger audience.
- A Positive Future: With the joint efforts of educators and industry professionals alike, gamers are finding themselves in a more inclusive environment.
Gaming’s Long Road to Inclusivity
Gaming had a very unpromising start to diversity in all fairness. Gone are the days where gamers were a bunch of white dudes in their early 20’s chugging down energy drinks and staying up until sunrise. But speedrun levels of faster.
Fortunately, it’s now clear to the industry that gamers can be anyone of any shape or size and from anyway in the world; they’re not just some obsessed dude offering an intimidating smile – but a powerful force!
Recent studies — like one conducted by the UK collective Ukie’s for its UK Games Industry Census, as reported in Game Daily last week—have shown there still to be a vast gender space between male employees and others in the workforce (such that white people dominate staff more than other seemingly protected characteristic).
But things are changing and, in fact, they are about to change big times. Diversifying games is not just about slapping on a few brown faces and calling it affirmative action — it’s about making us all feel comfortable in our own skin, even if we’re hanging out in medieval castle surrounded by dragons.
How Anonymity in Gaming Helps
The irony here is that gaming has an ace-in-the-hole when it comes to inclusivity: anonymity. Yep, players can go online and essentially be whatever they fancy. Be a knight in armor? Go ahead! A purple, three eyed alien?
Why not! Unfortunately, this is where a lot of people take advantage to be who they are from behind the screen without anyone really judging.
As Jamie Nicholas, a lecturer in visual effects and queer theory puts it: “The anonymity…allows expression of gender identity and sexuality.
Simply put, if puppet shows are for some people gaming is about being a wizard that one maybe never was supposed to be.
Schools Teaching Inclusivity (Yes, Really!)
As gaming companies search to make their games more inclusive, now we have colleges entering the fold as smartly.
At Staffordshire University, diversity and inclusion have stopped being just buzzwords which is a key takeaway for students.
Today, for instance they are bringing in gender courses or race and the history of accessibility.
Think of it as taking a history course — except instead to learning about the ancient monarchs and queens, you are researching how to level-up games for all.
Dr Ying-Ying Law, course director at Staffordshire said simply: ‘We educate our students that diversity and inclusion topics are vital.
There have even been tournaments with LGBTQ meetups and women’s crew battles. Imagine that! You can now crush your music opponents while crushing inclusivity!
The Future is (Finally) Diverse
The unfortunate truth is that in the same way there remain large gaps toward complete diversity within any industry, gaming has much further it can go towards full inclusiveness. Still, exciting progress so far.
Games forever moved from simplistic types of characters to individuals everyone can relate. Gaming companies and educators are building those spaces where everyone belongs.
It’s about making the world of gaming a better place for everyone in the end. Stay mindful that you are participating in something different — the next time others disagree with you online.
You are not just a player, you are shaping our world and making sure everyone gets to play. And who knows? In the end, we can dream that in a few years’ time — Super Diverse Mario to play alongside an Italian version?