We can’t hide away from the fact the gaming industry has been criticized for lacking diversity and representation.

However, the narrative is beginning to change with developers, content creators and talent management agencies playing a crucial role ensuring under represented groups have access to opportunities. 

Here at GG, we are happy to be making waves with our diverse roster of over 100 creators. Our creators span over 12 countries, with nearly 40% of our roster being female and 1-in-5 POC.  

The graph below shows that things are moving in the right direction, with the diversity of gaming content creators increasing over time.

Why does representation matter?

Representation in gaming is more important than ever. According to research by Geena Davis Institute 70% of respondents questioned, agreed that it is extremely important for games to feature diverse characters.

Representation is more than just visibility, it’s ensuring that all players can see themselves reflected - whether this be via characters made by developers or content creators themselves.

Authentic representation broadens perspectives and encourages a more inclusive gaming culture. It also opens doors for new talent, ensuring the industry continues to evolve in the right way.

The role of talent management agencies and developers

Here at GG Talent Group, we are advocates for supporting underrepresented talent. We want to make sure that our roster is diverse and creates opportunities for all creators, no matter what. We pride ourselves on bridging the gap between creators, brands and indie developers, therefore creating partnerships which celebrate authentic representation.

The power of diverse content creators can’t be ignored and the increase in their engagement is clearly shown in the graph below.

Growth of diverse content creators audience engagement

As gaming continues to evolve and become more inclusive, indie game developers play a crucial role in creating diverse characters. The inclusion of diverse characters in games allows players to see themselves reflected and understood in a way they may never have before.

Indie game developers are in a strong position as they have the opportunity to push boundaries due to having more creative freedom and flexibility. In fact, we have a whole blog about why indie game developers create some of the best games in the industry. 

By incorporating characters from underrepresented groups, indie developers can create more inclusive experiences. This not only fosters a sense of belonging for marginalized groups but also attracts a diverse player base, which can be crucial for a game’s success.

As well as this, diverse characters allow indie games to challenge stereotypes and bring attention to important social issues, sparking conversations about culture, identity, and representation. 

Average % of non-male character representation by game genre (2012-2022)

This data is based on 64 video games released by various gaming companies in the world from 2012-2022.

Indie studios leading the way

There are a number of indie studios who are breaking down the barriers.

1. Maddy Makes Games (creators of Celeste)

In Celeste’s the main character known as Madeline, struggles with anxiety and depression. Throughout the game, players experience her internal battles, which manifest in physical and metaphorical ways. The “dark side” of Madeline (Badeline) represents her anxiety, self-criticism, and fear of failure which is something many players find highly relatable.

2. Mossmouth (creators of Spelunky)

Spelunky was an indie hit with a diverse range of playable characters. Mossmouth’s decision to allow players to choose their character without limiting gameplay to traditional gender or race was revolutionary at a time when most games had limited diversity. 

3. The Fullbright Company (creators of Gone Home and Tacoma)

The Fulbright Company has a strong focus on LGBTQ+ characters and stories. Gone Home features a young woman discovering the hidden story of her sister’s love life, while Tacoma explores a diverse group of characters, including LGBTQ+ representation.

Although it is making progress, the gaming industry still has a long way to go when it comes to full inclusions. 

Game developers and talent agencies are increasingly prioritizing diverse teams, recognizing that authentic representation starts behind the scenes. 

The future of gaming is inclusive, dynamic, and representative of the world around us. By continuing to support and uplift diverse voices, whether through development, content creation, or talent management, we ensure that gaming remains a space for everyone to feel seen, heard, and celebrated.

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