GDC 2025 Session Viewer

Culture matters in game development! Join renowned industry veterans and cultural experts Kate Edwards and Tina Merry as they team up to provide insights into how cultural awareness and diversity fuels creativity, authenticity, team effectiveness, and global market success. One section of the talk will help attendees discover the value of Cultural Intelligence (CQ) in enhancing collaboration and fostering innovation among teams. The other section will address the process of content culturalization and how it can greatly improve your global reach, increase inclusive representations of peoples and places, and help your games more deeply connect with global audiences. This session will offer practical insights into harnessing the power of culture to create games that are not only socially responsible and respectful but also commercially successful.

Takeaway

Audience members will gain a deep understanding of how cultural awareness and inclusivity influences both the creation of games and the dynamics and effectiveness within development teams. They will learn how culture shapes the creative process, from narrative development to character design, and how it can lead to more authentic and resonant gaming experiences for a global audience. Content will be both practical and inspirational.

Intended Audience

The intended audience for this session includes game developers, team leads, and studio managers who want to build more inclusive teams and create games that connect with players worldwide. It’s perfect for anyone in leadership roles looking to improve their team’s ability to work together and bring fresh, diverse perspectives to their games. If you’re passionate about how culture influences creativity and business success in the game industry, or if just want to learn how cultural intelligence can level up your team’s effectiveness, this session is for you!