Diversity and Inclusion in Game Design Schools – Progress and Challenges

If you’re a game developer, you know the importance of creating games that are accessible and inclusive to players from all backgrounds. Yet, while many game developers are working to promote diversity and inclusion, it remains an issue across the industry. Inclusive games consider access and support while spreading the game and offer worlds rich in viewpoints, visual appeal, and cultural presentation. Processes for designing for inclusion should be implemented throughout the lifespan of a studio and be based on development and research experience. They should involve the entire team, develop core values and specific guidelines, and then be implemented in an interactive game design, testing, and modification cycle.

That’s why diversity and inclusion are essential in all stages of game design — from story development to gameplay mechanics and balancing. This course explores how to incorporate these principles into the game development process.

Representation

Representation in games is a hot topic and an area of interest for many people. There are various reasons why game designers want to include more diverse characters in their games.

For example, they may want to add more diverse characters representing various social issues. They may also be interested in adding elements that make the game more accessible to players.

Another reason why representation is important is that it helps to create a positive environment for all gamers. This is especially true if there are players who have historically been under-represented in the gaming industry.

This is often the case with female gamers, who have been a target of harassment in video games. This can lead to them taking coping measures like gender masking, disguising their identity, or avoiding games altogether.

However, if there is a way to change this mindset and incorporate more diverse players into the created games, it can be a big win for both the player and the designer.

Many colleges offer game design degrees. Choosing the best game design schools in the world is essential if you want a game designer career.

Accessibility

Representation in video games can be a powerful way to connect with people from different backgrounds and cultures. Including characters who are LGBTQ, those of color, or with disabilities can create more welcoming environments for players.

Unfortunately, the industry still needs to catch up in diversity. 

This lack of representation in video games can be a frustrating experience for gamers who want to see more diversity in their gaming worlds. Moreover, the absence of diverse characters can hurt the overall quality of games.

Even when studios support diversity and inclusion initiatives, it’s important to remember that these issues don’t only affect the people who develop the games but also the players who consume them. That’s why addressing these issues early and often in the development process is critical.

Accessibility is a crucial element of inclusivity in game design and should be integrated into all aspects of the gaming product. It’s not simply about visual needs; it includes hearing, motor, and cognitive abilities.

As game developers make more of an effort to incorporate accessibility into their products, they’ll be able to reach a wider audience and create a more diverse gaming community. These efforts can bring greater diversity to the industry, ultimately benefiting all developers and consumers of the games they make.

Equity

Gender diversity is a big issue for the video game industry. In a recent survey, IGDA (International Game Developers Association) found that a third of American game students are women, but the industry still has issues with sexism and racism.

The good news is that the game design industry is changing, and game design schools are stepping up to the challenge. Many of the top game design schools are offering programs with an interdisciplinary approach.

The Bachelor of Innovation in Digital Media degree offers a unique blend of game design and computer science. The program is designed for students who want to build their skills to enter the game design industry or start their own independent games studio. It also provides a broader education that allows students to pursue other interests, such as art, music, and business.

Inclusion

Including diverse groups is critical to the success of game design and development. It creates a better overall gaming experience and ensures the game’s content is appropriate for all players. Inclusion includes addressing racism, sexism, disability, age, religion, etc.

Several game design schools have established programs aimed at promoting diversity.

Inclusion is a critical part of creating diverse worlds, storylines, and environments that reflect the diversity of society. In addition, including characters that represent various people’s views helps foster a sense of acceptance and belonging for all players.

Often, including various players can challenge game designers and development teams. It can take time and intentional actions to curate a culture of inclusion where all people are valued. It is also important to address power dynamics, which can negatively affect people without visible privilege. This is where consultation with experts in diversity, accessibility, and inclusion can be helpful.