NCSoft President Discusses Industry Growth Through Diversity and Inclusion

The video game industry has been around for over five decades, yet it still struggles to gain mainstream acceptance, particularly when compared to film and television. Although negative media coverage and political attacks have decreased over the years, the industry continues to face scrutiny, currently surrounding issues like loot boxes, monetization, and addiction. However, the situation is improving, with many industry members and organizations working to showcase the benefits of video games. NCSoft's president and chief strategy officer, Songyee Yoon, has written a book titled "Push Play: Gaming for a Better World," which explores the positives of gaming, its popularity, and the industry's challenges. Yoon encourages the industry to focus on highlighting its great work rather than solely defending itself. She emphasizes that play is an essential part of human evolution and learning, and gaming has much to offer. By creating a more diverse range of games, the industry can showcase its broad spectrum of creativity. Yoon notes that the film and television industries have faced similar battles, particularly when they first emerged. They were often dismissed as not being legitimate art forms, but over time, they gained acceptance. Similarly, the gaming industry is currently facing a significant understanding gap between those who grew up playing games and those who did not. Games are often subject to sensational media coverage, highlighting extreme cases of addiction or violence. However, Yoon believes that with time, the industry will be recognized as a valid creative medium. If the industry focuses too much on negativity, it may discourage people from pursuing careers in the field, as they may perceive it as less legitimate or respected. Yoon suggests highlighting the full range of career opportunities and encouraging people from different disciplines to consider a career in games. NCSoft has had success in hiring graduates from non-traditional fields, such as philosophy majors, who bring creative perspectives to game development. Yoon also discusses the issue of the dominance of men in the workforce, which can create an unwelcome environment for women and underrepresented groups. She encourages inclusive hiring practices, mentorship for women and underrepresented groups, and diversity within the games themselves. Yoon recalls having to push for equal numbers of female and male avatars in Lineage 2, even as recently as 2017. Highlighting female role models in the industry can also help, but Yoon acknowledges that this can put pressure on successful women to become the face of the solution. While this can be empowering, it can also be a burden and overshadow their achievements. Yoon emphasizes the importance of collectively sharing and supporting the responsibilities of mentorship and representation. The industry faces numerous challenges in diversifying its workforce, including overcoming biases, resolving workplace culture issues, and improving representation. Yoon suggests that outreach programs and partnerships with organizations that advocate for diversity in tech can help promote a more inclusive talent pipeline. Although these issues have been discussed for years, Yoon remains confident that the industry will make progress, and every step taken by individuals, companies, and communities will help build a more inclusive and innovative future.