GDC 2024 begins with keynote on diversity and inclusivity

He stated that it’s up to marketers like him to carry the torch and do the convincing. Thankfully, data compiled from several studies suggests that diversity is very good for business, as well as obviously being the righteous thing to strive for.

While a desire for more inclusive representation will continue to be pushed in 2024 – for both workforces and gaming experiences themselves – Simmons asserts that tokenism is something which must be avoided at all costs. Purpose-driven change is essential.

‘To me [tokenism] means while the effort is there, if there’s no solid foundation, if there are no goals, if there’s no [good] intention behind it, or even thought leaders that can help establish those goals, then you’re kind of just building the community just to build it rather than building something well thought out and intentioned,’ she said.

This whole notion of Gamergate 2.0 and woke policies ruining gaming and game VCs funding bad titles belies the fact of who controls industry. Women-led companies currently get about 2% of all venture capital funding. The powers that be are white men.

— Dean Takahashi (@deantak) March 16, 2024

In laymen’s terms, you need creative input at all levels from the people you’re trying to represent. If a product is of subpar quality, misses the mark culturally, or spreads a lazy stereotypical sentiment, people belonging to these communities will twig the fact very quickly.

‘When we’re planning our marketing campaigns and for influencer marketing especially, I’m really huge about ensuring that there’s representation not only in the game, but how we market it,’ Mansell added. ‘It’s very, very important.’

If 2024 is to be a big year in this regard, there will have to be a fundamental review of the industry in it’s current state. Women make up only 24% of the gaming workforce despite a near 50-50 male/female split among the global player base, and a meagre 10% are BAME.

Like so many other industries, gaming is predominantly controlled by straight white men, and that is why the vast majority of stories and playable characters fit this same mould.

With the world’s eyes on the GDC 2024, hopefully this message can be emphasised for the remainder of the week. It’s time to foster a richer narrative tapestry where more communities can feel represented and broader audiences can be reached.