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Debugging D&I
Amiqus’ Business Manager Liz Prince – who is also the founder of the G Into Gaming campaign and co-founder of the Empower Up EDI platform – discusses the worrying EDI backlash and highlights why a ‘people first’ policy makes good business sense for studios…
here’s a growing, and worrying, murmur of discontent surrounding EDI. In the real world, and particularly on social media and in the right-leaning mainstream media, we are seeing negative perceptions of what it means to be ‘woke’ – fuelled by toxic influencers and even politicians. In the corporate world, the economic
T
downturn has played a significant part in fuelling the EDI backlash. When times are tough, there can be a tendency to focus on short-term gains and cost-cutting measures, rather than long- term investments in EDI. And that can lead to a perception that EDI initiatives are unnecessary luxuries or that they divert resources from other more commercially focused projects. Meanwhile, it is also becoming clear that some companies which are attempting to address EDI are sometimes getting it wrong. Indeed a recently published report by Diversity by Design, ‘Flying Flags and Ticking Boxes’, highlights ‘what went wrong with EDI’ – but thankfully also offers some insights into ‘how leaders can fix it’.
I urge anyone who is serious about implementing good and robust EDI programmes to take a look. And, I’d like to share the key takeaways from the report’s findings: Box-ticking over real change: EDI efforts often prioritise symbolic actions, leaving real progress behind.
Inclusivity without exclusion: EDI must mean inclusion for all, not focusing on select identity categories at the expense of others.
Diversity of thought is missing: visible diversity is easier to implement, but true diversity of perspectives is neglected.
Fear is stifling debate: a #NoDebate culture leaves voices unheard, hurting organisational cohesion and innovation.
Data and evidence are key: EDI needs real data-driven insights, not empty quotas or assumptions.
In short, a social media post on International
Women’s Day or during Pride month (flying flags and ticking boxes) doesn’t cut it – it requires approaching EDI from the top down; ingraining it into company culture, and ensuring buy-in from leadership.
The success of any EDI initiative really does hinge on strong leadership. Leaders who champion diversity set the tone for the entire organisation. They must be willing to walk the walk, not just talk the talk – or flying flags and ticking boxes. This means integrating EDI principles into every aspect of the studio’s operations, from recruitment and promotion practices to communication styles and leadership development programmes. Diversity by Design’s report underscores this, highlighting the importance of genuine commitment and leadership buy-in.
And a genuine and authentic EDI programme can pay dividends for any business. Building
At Amiqus, we have many resources available to help, so please do get in touch via
liz.prince@
amiqus.com
teams that reflect the diversity of our gaming consumers brings a deeper understanding of market needs. Employees from diverse backgrounds bring in unique perspectives, leading to more creative problem solving, better decision-making, and ultimately, increased innovation. Studies have shown that companies with greater diversity outperform their less-diverse counterparts. A McKinsey report found that companies in the top quartile for gender diversity on their executive teams were 25% more likely to have above-average profitability. So, this isn’t simply social justice; it’s sound business strategy. As the Diversity By Design report suggests, the backlash against EDI in the corporate world is a call for authenticity, not an abandonment of progress. Companies that move beyond superficial gestures and embrace a people-first, inclusive approach will reap the rewards of a diverse workforce. By focusing on creating a level playing field, fostering belonging, and empowering every voice, studios can build a more innovative, resilient, and successful future. And in the current, challenging environment that the games industry is facing, that’s surely something to seriously consider…
“The success of any EDI initiative really does hinge on strong leadership.”
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