Diversity, equity, and inclusion have become increasingly important topics in the gaming industry. Gamers are calling for less toxicity in games and for publishers to take a stance on these issues. Historically, game developers and publishers have primarily catered to men, often overlooking women, ethnic minorities, the LGBTQIA+ community, and people with disabilities. However, the market has come a long way since then and the industry still has challenges to overcome in terms of inclusion and representation.
To address these challenges, we recently launched our Gamer Sentiment Study on Diversity and Inclusion. The study is designed to help the biggest game publishers understand behavior, motivation, and sentiment, identify opportunities to make games more inclusive, and access motivations outside of gaming.
One of the key findings from our study is that gamers want more representation and inclusivity in the games they play. This includes better representation of women, ethnic minorities, and the LGBTQIA+ community in game characters, storylines, and marketing. Additionally, gamers are calling for more accessibility options for people with disabilities.
Another important finding is that gamers want less toxicity in online communities. This includes reducing hate speech, harassment, and bullying in online forums, chat rooms, and social media. Gamers want a safe and inclusive environment where they can enjoy their hobby without fear of discrimination or harassment.
In addition to these findings, the study also revealed that gamers are more likely to play games that are inclusive and represent diverse characters and storylines. This suggests that there is a business opportunity for game developers and publishers to create more inclusive games. By doing so, they can attract a wider audience and increase their customer base.
Overall, the Gamer Sentiment Study on Diversity and Inclusion is providing valuable insights into the attitudes, behaviors, and motivations of gamers. It is helping the biggest game publishers understand the importance of inclusivity and representation in the gaming industry. By listening to the voices of gamers and taking action, game developers and publishers can create a more inclusive and welcoming industry for all.
It’s vital that game developers and publishers take a stance on these issues and make a concerted effort to create more inclusive and diverse games. It’s not only the right thing to do but it’s also good for business. The gaming industry is constantly evolving, and it’s essential that it reflects the diversity of the world we live in. By creating more inclusive games, we can attract a wider audience and foster a more welcoming and inclusive gaming community.
