Gaming companies are modernizing their diversity and inclusion practices to align with public trends and create an environment where everyone can succeed, regardless of gender, race, or ability.
To spark meaningful change, gaming companies must establish well-meaning goals. Laura Da Silva, director at SG:certified, emphasizes the importance of D&I initiatives in increasing diversity and inclusion within the industry and fostering a more inclusive culture for employees and partners.
To effectively promote diversity, companies should support underrepresented communities, especially in an industry historically dominated by white males. Ani Akimyan, head of HR at Technamin, emphasizes the need to value employees from diverse backgrounds, socioeconomic statuses, working experiences, races, religions, disabilities, sexes, and orientations.
Christina Thakor-Rankin, principal consultant at 1710 Gaming Ltd, notes that each company’s approach to diversity and inclusion depends on their individual definition and reasons for change. Some companies may focus on increasing the representation of women, especially in senior positions, while others prioritize broader diversity goals.
It is important for companies to implement D&I initiatives with the right attitude and understanding, rather than simply following trends. Transparency, fairness, and innovation can be boosted through open-mindedness and diverse perspectives in the workplace.
Penn Entertainment’s Justin Carter provides a case study on the company’s D&I strategy, including programs such as the Diversity Scholarship aimed at providing educational opportunities to team members and underrepresented groups. Carter emphasizes the transformative impact of these initiatives, creating positive corporate cultures and fostering connectivity within the company.
In summary, the gaming industry is actively working to enhance diversity and inclusion, setting goals, supporting underrepresented communities, and implementing various initiatives to create inclusive and high-performing work environments.
