In the past, game developers and other industry professionals catered almost entirely to men, often overlooking women, people with disabilities, ethnic minorities, and the LGBTQIA+ community. And even though the market has come quite a long way ever since, there are still challenges it needs to overcome when it comes to inclusion. That is why we prepared this short guide about overcoming stereotypes and welcoming diversities in the gaming industry.
The Importance of Diversity in Gaming
Equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI), are getting more and more attention in the world of gaming. Not only that they promote fairness and equal opportunities for everyone, but they also provide a more enjoyable gaming experience to many individuals out there. EDI makes sure that all players feel welcome, no matter their gender, race, age, sexuality, or any other defining factor.
One of the main reasons why EDI has a huge place in game design lies in the fact that it helps create a more inclusive community. Media representation has huge power, especially when it comes to groups that rarely see themselves represented. Being able to escape into a brand-new world is one of the greatest perks of gaming, and including characters with different cultural backgrounds, disabilities, or sexual preferences, allows a larger number of people to find themselves in the games they play.
Common Stereotypes in Gaming
Despite the fact that gaming is intended to provide fun and entertainment for all users, it still harbors stereotypes, particularly concerning gender. Women are pretty much preset in the online gaming sphere, as 48% of US gamers declare themselves as female.
However, there is a common belief that women are not as capable as men when it comes to certain types of games. On top of that, many women in the gaming industry see their gender unfairly represented in video games. Namely, female characters are often shown in sexualized ways that are considered misogynistic by many.
How Can We Solve Inclusivity Issues?
Nowadays, everyone including game developers, gaming organizations, and other individuals involved could make an effort to create a more inclusive environment. Firstly, if the games are designed with diversity in mind, their aesthetics, mechanics, content, and narrative will work together to present and respect different identities, backgrounds, and experiences of potential players.
It would mean a lot if industry professionals began using inclusive language without any cliches and stereotypes. Additionally, it is crucial to offer diverse characters advanced customization options and a wide range of playing styles and preferences. The best way to approach this sensitive topic is to consult cultural experts and diversity testers who can easily spot irregularities and offer fast and efficient solutions.
Diversity needs to be included all the way long, and not just from a single perspective. It needs to be present throughout the entire route of inception, production, marketing, and launching. Otherwise, someone or something important will be left out.
Why We Should Foster Inclusivity in Gaming
Inclusivity brings immense value to the world of online gaming, benefiting not only individuals who feel different or excluded but also fostering empathy among diverse groups. Once game developers and other specialists make more significant efforts to boost diversity in their products, many somewhat marginalized groups will start feeling more confident than ever. On top of that, other groups will start feeling more empathy towards the individuals around them.
Another important aspect of fostering inclusivity in the gaming industry is promoting diversity within the development teams themselves. By encouraging a diverse workforce that includes individuals from different backgrounds, cultures, and perspectives, game developers can tap into a wealth of creative ideas and unique experiences. Diverse teams are more likely to identify potential biases, challenge stereotypes, and create content that resonates with a wider range of players.
Moreover, encouraging diversity within the industry not only leads to more inclusive games but also provides opportunities for underrepresented groups to enter the field and contribute their talents to shaping the future of gaming.
Also, targeting a more diverse group of players will help industry leaders achieve a greater number of sales. Literally, the more diverse the users are, the higher sales potential a product will have, which then leads to significant economic growth. Including wider audiences in the current gaming sphere will help many individuals find their path in the world of virtual gaming, and at the same time, it will boost the revenues of entertainment platforms, software developers, streaming platforms, and everyone else involved in the industry.
The gaming industry has undergone significant transformation in terms of diversity, but there is still work to be done to achieve full inclusion. Welcoming all sorts of players regardless of their race, gender, age, and other criteria, and regularly introducing quality characters they can associate with could transform the industry for the better, with very little effort.
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