Empowering Diversity in Gaming: Insights from SXSW and GDC 2024
Racking up her frequent flyer miles this March, the*gamehers Co-founder, Verta Maloney, shone at SXSW (South by Southwest) in Austin, TX, and GDC (Game Developers Conference) in San Francisco, CA.
Diversity and inclusion in gaming have long been crucial topics, and Verta's recent engagements at SXSW and GDC shed light on the ongoing efforts and challenges within the industry. Here's a glimpse into Verta's enriching experiences and the valuable discussions that took place during these events.
“Diversity in Gaming: What To Do to Get It Right” at SXSW on March 10.
Along with Verta, panelists included Erin Ashley Simon – entertainment host, investor, producer, and gaming consultant; Angelo Roseboro – DEI strategist, tech exec, and culture transformation leader; and Trinidad Black – Tech founder, culture consultant, and product manager.
In a thought-provoking dialogue, these seasoned gaming professionals delved into the critical topic of diversity, offering invaluable perspectives on achieving it effectively.
Against the backdrop of a shifting landscape in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), there's a growing concern over the industry's shortfall in representation. Drawing from their extensive careers marked by tangible contributions to gaming, these experts underscore the imperative for companies to prioritize inclusivity, amplifying every voice, fostering genuine visibility, and creating a culture in the gaming realm towards progressive evolution.
Verta reflected, “To be in conversation with these women was a true gift.”
“BIG FEST ‘24 - The Business of Gaming Panel - Challenges & Opportunities” at GDC on March 19.
Verta moderated this panel, hosted by The Black in Gaming Foundation (BIG). The panelists were James Lewis – ID@Xbox Developer Acceleration Program Lead; Shana T Bryant – Executive Producer at Oculus Publishing (Meta); and Rudi Bonaparte – Director of Corporate Strategy and Development at Riot Games.
The discussion began with a “hot take” from each panelist:
“If you can’t join ‘em, beat ‘em.” -James Lewis
“Great ideas do not make great games. Great execution makes great games.” -Shana T. Bryant
“Most games are bad… but the 5% that are good are really, really good… transformational experiences that can change people’s lives.” -Rudi Bonaparte
The panel went on to do a deep dive into conversation around why the gaming industry is at an unprecedented time of instability, and how it can successfully respond and adjust. Panelists gave advice for those who are trying to start their own game studio or pitch a game right now, what it means to be a good leader, and why it’s crucial to the success of the industry to invest in diverse development teams. Watch the entire panel discussion here (starting at 1:24).
“Women Got Game: Cultivating Joy in Gaming While Keeping it 100!” at GDC on March 22.
Hosted by Black Collegiate Gaming Association (BCGA), with Verta moderating, this panel was joined by Keisha Howard – Founder of Sugar Gamers, Letta J – Founder & CEO of Coexist Gaming, and Juno Blees – Associate Game Director at The Believer Company.
“Cultivating Joy in Gaming” provided a space for discussion with high school and college women of color about video games and the industry. Panelists were able to give young women candid, loving advice on how to live their passions, cultivate their joy, and make a life in the video game industry.
Advice for Women Gamers
Describing the session as “phenomenal” and that it was “the perfect intersection of so many of my personal and professional life experiences,” Verta’s keynote lessons for young women gamers were as follows:
Don’t stay where you are not loved (seriously!)
Find your people (you will know them when you meet them)
Follow your passions (even when there are hurdles in your way)
Say yes (even when you think you’re not ready)
Be you (everyone else is taken)