Diversity and Inclusion in the Games Industry: What Needs to Happen
Gamers in the United States are almost evenly split between men (54%) and women (46%) (source: Entertainment Software Association), however, just 24% of game developers are women and only 2% identify as black (source: International Game Developers Association). Further, in-game toxicity and harassment related to sexual orientation, race, or ethnicity is all too common. This panel will discuss the current state and efforts being undertaken to bring more diversity and inclusion to the industry and counter in-game toxicity and harassment.
Panelists:
Chelsea Blasko, Co-CEO, Iron Galaxy Studios
Nika Nour, Executive Director, IGDA Foundation
Francisca Phillips, Head of Global Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging, Jam City
Susanna Pollack, President, Games for Change
Angela Roseboro, Chief Diversity Officer, Riot Games
Moderator: Gordon Bellamy, CEO of Gay Gaming Professionals (GGP) and Visiting Scholar, USC Games and USC Esports