defending diversity
DESCRIPTION
Key note on diversity I gave as keynote at the women in games conference in Brighton UKTRANSCRIPT
SHER
I GRA
NER
RAY
Defending DiversityOr Where do we go from here?
Women In Games 2010Develop
July 15, 2010
SHERI GRANER RAY• Started in the game industry in 1989• Game designer for Origin Systems, Her
Interactive, SOE, Cartoon Network, KingsIsle, CCP/White Wolf, Kraft Foods and more
• Author of Gender Inclusive Game Design: Expanding the Market
• Recipient of IGDA’s Game Developer’s Choice award for community
• Hard Core Gamer
We’ve come a long way• 1993 - First round table on girls and games at the
CGDC• 1995 - Her Interactive releases McKenzie & Co • 1996 - Mattel release Barbie Fashion Designer• 2000 - IGDA establishes Women in Games committee• 2000 – From Barbie to Mortal Kombat is published.• 2004 - First Women in Games conference is held in
Portsmouth• 2005 - Women in Games International established• 2008 - Women in games estimated at 9-11% - up from > 3%
• 2009 – No non-IGDA sessions on gender at GDC
• 2010 – WiG conference rescheduled due to lack of attendance
• 2010 – Gender issues in games referred to as “old news”
Backlash
What is Backlash?
• Angry white guys
Backlash is not just angry white guys
• 75% of Hispanics feel there is too much immigration in the US*
• 58% of African-Americans in the US favor the outlawing of racial and gender preferences*
• 44% of non-whites in the US feel that affirmative action policies regarding college admissions cast public doubt on the achievements of minority students**
* Los Angeles Times** Newsweek Magazine
What Causes Backlash?
PROBLEM
NEWSFLASH!Women play games!
ESA says 40% of gamers are women!
NEWSFLASH!Women play games!
76% of casual game players are women say Popcap Games and Spill Games!
* http://suttree.com/2006/11/07/casual-game-statistics-2/
NEWS FLASH!
Women play games!
ESA says 40% of gamers are women!
?
We say:“This industry needs more women!”
The industry hears:“You have to hire women regardless of their qualifications!”
What can we do?
Remove the fear
• Clear the confusion• Emphasize the positive• Claim business successes
Clear the Confusion
• Be careful with statistics
NEWSFLASH!Women play games!
ESA says 40% of gamers are women!
FACT~76% of all casual game players are women
FACT~20% of all traditional game players are women
FACTAverage of 76% and 20% = ~40% of all gamers are women
FACT: This number cannot simply be applied to all games!
Emphasize the positive
• Emphasize the business successes
Emphasize the positive
• Do not tell horror stories!
Claim the Successes
• Insist quality never be sacrificed for diversity!
Take Responsibility
Reframe the message
What is diversity, really?• Diversity is about recognizing, respecting and
valuing differences• Diversity is about diversity of thought
Where do I fit in?
Where do I fit in?
• BE VISIBLE• BE POSITIVE• BE HEARD
Be visible
• Mentor Net http://www.mentornet.net/• IGDA gatherings• WiG, WIGI, WIG-SIG• Speak!
Be Positive
• No horror stories• Frame all answers in “how can we solve this
problem?”• Be proactive
Be Heard
• Stay involved with WiG, WIGI and WIG-SIG• Never be afraid to speak up
Taking it to the next level
• Reframe the Message• Stay Positive• Stay involved
We aren’t asking anyone to change the industry.
We will change the industry.
SHER
I GRA
NER
RAY
Defending DiversityOr How To Piss Off Everyone Equally
Women In Games 2010Develop
July 15, 2010
Sheri Graner Ray
Studio Design DirectorSchell Games8716 N. MopacAustin, Texas USA 78759 [email protected] 512.399.6400