How to Build a Diverse Community in the Gaming and Esports Industry: A Playful Guide
Hello, gaming aficionados and brand wizards! Are you ready to embark on an epic quest to create a diverse community in the video game and esports industry? Buckle up, because we're about to dive into a realm where inclusivity levels up your brand and unlocks new realms of engagement and loyalty.
Level 1: Understanding the Spectrum of Diversity
First things first, let's understand our battlefield. Diversity isn't just about adding a splash of color to your character roster or throwing in a female protagonist and calling it a day. It's about embracing the entire spectrum of human experience—gender, race, ethnicity, age, disability, sexual orientation, and beyond. Imagine your community as a vast, open-world game, teeming with players from every corner of the globe, each with their unique story and perspective. That's your goal.
Level 2: Quest for Authentic Representation
Now, it's time to embark on a quest for authentic representation. This means doing your homework, folks. Consult with cultural consultants, engage with diverse focus groups, and most importantly, listen. Your characters and stories should resonate with real-life experiences, not stereotypes. Think of it as crafting your game's lore—deep, engaging, and reflective of a world where everyone feels they belong.
Level 3: The Allies and Guilds
No hero embarks on a quest alone. To build a diverse community, you'll need allies and guilds. Forge partnerships with organizations and influencers that advocate for diversity and inclusion. These collaborations can amplify your efforts, providing credibility and reach that you might not achieve on your own. Plus, it's always more fun to tackle big quests with a party, right?
Level 4: Inclusive Gameplay Mechanics
Let's talk about gameplay. Inclusive design means ensuring that your game is accessible to everyone. This includes customizable control schemes for players with disabilities, colorblind modes, subtitles, and more. But let's level up the concept—how about gameplay that promotes empathy and understanding? Games that challenge players to experience narratives from different cultural or personal perspectives can be powerful tools for fostering inclusivity.
Level 5: Safe Spaces and Community Guidelines
Every great game has its safe spaces, and your community should be no different. Establish clear community guidelines that promote respect, kindness, and inclusivity. Moderate forums and social channels to keep trolls and toxic behavior at bay. Remember, a safe community is a thriving community, where players feel empowered to share, participate, and engage.
The Endgame: Continuous Learning and Adaptation
Creating a diverse community isn't a one-time achievement—it's an ongoing quest. Stay curious, seek feedback, and be willing to adapt. The gaming world evolves at lightning speed, and so should your approach to diversity and inclusion. Celebrate your milestones, learn from your missteps, and always strive to make your community more welcoming, engaging, and vibrant.
Bonus Level: Celebrate Diversity in All Its Forms
Last but not least, celebrate diversity in all its forms. Highlight diverse players, creators, and stories. Host events that showcase the rich tapestry of cultures and identities within your community. Make every player feel like the hero of their own story, because, in the end, that's what gaming is all about—stepping into someone else's shoes and embarking on an adventure unlike any other.
There you have it, brave adventurers and savvy brand marketers! By embracing diversity and inclusion, you're not just building a community; you're crafting a universe where everyone is welcome, and every player can find their place. Now, let's make some magic happen in the gaming world!
Allie Young, CMO of the*gamehers, is revolutionizing the gaming and esports landscape by smashing barriers to get more women into gaming. A board member of various organizations like Atlanta Esports Alliance, Fly Top Pilot, and EO Atlanta, Allie is also active in nonprofit work through 100 Girls of Code, which focuses on minority outreach in esports for young women. She has launched trailblazing projects such as the first HBCU Esports League and the FEMALED Esports Tournament. Allie combines her sales and marketing expertise with a genuine love for gaming to create a collaborative, innovative platform.
