Q.
DO YOU FEEL THE INDUSTRY HAS MOVED FORWARD IN TERMS OF DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION THIS YEAR?
Kathryn Spetch, Odgers Berndtson: This is an important question about a hugely important topic – but it’s also a complex question. There has been a continued movement across the industry to hold organisations to account for discriminatory and aggressive behaviour and it feels that there is a desire and willingness for more open dialogue about EDI in games. This dialogue is transcending into all manner of conversations, rather than remaining a siloed topic.
Silja Bernecker, InnoGames: I do feel that’s been the case. In my perception, there were more court cases against discriminatory practices, more initiatives supporting diversity and inclusion, more media reports on the topic, more frequent and intensive discussions about equal pay, and so on. These days, it’s more likely that a games company has to explain why it’s not flying a rainbow flag during Pride Month rather than the other way around. So, yes, the industry keeps moving in the right direction – albeit slowly. Remote/hybrid work has helped to move things along somewhat. For instance, physically disabled colleagues no longer have to go through the daily hassle of commuting to work. Likewise, introverted and/ or sensitive talents can withdraw to the home office when they feel the need. Not least, it has made it easier for parents to work full-time.
Colin Macdonald, Games Jobs Live: I think we’re inching forward, but we’ve still a very long way to go. We’re slowly getting better at championing diverse success stories, and at being more open to candidates joining the industry compared to years of old. But I don’t feel we’ve made much progress in the earlier stages talent pipeline - with girls being disinclined to work towards the industry as
it’s seen as male-dominated, and kids from families unable to send them for an expensive university education, who still have to compete with almost 1,500 graduates coming out of games-related degrees every year. Right now for example there are just 94 junior positions open across all games companies for the whole of the UK - those are daunting odds for those with a degree, but almost unthinkable for those that don’t have one.
Emma Smith, Creative Assembly: I believe we are constantly moving forward – we are not the same industry we were five years ago, even a year ago. We are a culmination of all the people working in our industry, and those individuals are more diverse in both background and thought than ever before. Crucially, they challenge us, speak out and drive activism. This can be seen in the growth of Employee Resource Groups, who are now an essential part of any modern studio. Diversity and Inclusion is no longer viewed by the industry as a side exercise, it is absolutely a driver for creativity and innovation which will push our industry toward an endlessly brighter future.
Ben Harrison, Sharkmob: The Ukie #RaiseTheGame initiative has helped to highlight and improve diversity through recruiting practices, inclusive work environments and representation in games. At Sharkmob, we’re still in the early stages as a London studio, but we’re focusing a lot of energy on determining how we can best help support the industry and our team in the future and are building a best in class HR function to support key areas including diversity and inclusion.
“These days, it’s more likely that a games company has to explain why it’s not flying a rainbow flag during Pride Month rather than the other way around. So, yes, the industry keeps moving in the
right direction – albeit slowly.” Silja Bernecker, team lead talent acquisition at InnoGames
40 | MCV/DEVELOP December 2022
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