defending diversity

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 sheri@schellgames.com 512.399.6400