Farley Chery (Associate Professor & Founder, Rigs of Color, Worcester Polytechnic Institute)
Location: Room 3016, West Hall
Date: Tuesday, March 21
Time: 2:10 pm - 2:40 pm
Pass Type:
All Access Pass, Core Pass, Summits Pass, Expo Pass, Audio Pass, Independent Games Summit Pass
Topic:
Advocacy
Format:
Lecture
Vault Recording: Video
Audience Level: All
This session looks at the Rigs of Color project and the allies who helped the project more than double the characters of color available to the public. Diversifying the industry and improving representation is not expensive, doesn't require being up to date on the latest science, nor does it need to be a time suck. It can bring joy. Individual actions can be as impactful as the work of prominent advocacy groups.
As companies declare in carefully crafted statements, "Diversity matters; we are doing it." It is easy to get lost in trying to fix every aspect of the issue.This session looks at what breaking into the industry looks like and what changes can be made to get capable workers who believe in inclusivity.
Takeaway
Attendees will learn to advocate as individuals highlighting actions they could take on the conference floor, in their hotel lobby, and when they get back home to their studios. Actionable advocacy can be mutually beneficial across organizations and some small changes and behaviors that benefit the entire industry.
Intended Audience
This is for anyone interested in representation and the pitfalls of representational tropes. While some historical context is given, the primary audience for this session is industry professionals, educators, and recruiters who love games and want to grow the medium through inclusivity.