Empowering Access to the Gaming Industry | Black Voices Progress Report

This interview is part of GamesIndustry.biz's Black Voices Progress Report, offering insight into the diverse experiences of Black professionals in the gaming sector. The report provides a platform for Black professionals to share their stories and challenges in the industry. Adanna Nedd's transition from academic research to game development is a testament to the power of exploration and discovery. As a research fellow at the iSchool Inclusion Institute, Nedd worked on projects that examined the intersection of representation and games, a topic that remains close to her heart. Nedd's research focused on the purchasing habits of players of color in online games, highlighting the lack of diverse skins and characters in popular games like Overwatch and Fortnite. The findings revealed that players often prioritize aesthetics over representation, but still note the absence of diversity. After completing her research projects, Nedd decided to explore other opportunities, inspired by the presence of POC in Play, an organization that connects Black students with game developers. She reached out to over 50 professionals in the industry, seeking to understand their roles and daily experiences. Nedd's journey into game development was marked by a pivotal conversation with Kim Belair, founder of Sweet Baby Inc. This encounter led to Nedd starting work on her portfolio and eventually collaborating on the game Spirit Swap. As Nedd navigates the industry, she is committed to creating opportunities for students of color to explore game development. She has mentored for programs like Gameheads and taught game development to elementary schoolers, introducing them to the world of game design. Nedd is also passionate about sharing her knowledge and experience with others. She has given talks on narrative design and character development, and offers free resources to aspiring game developers. Her current project, Spirit Swap: Lo-Fi Beats To Match-3 To, showcases her passion for diverse casts and romance options. While Nedd faces challenges in the industry, including limited funding and networking opportunities, she remains determined to create a more inclusive and supportive environment for Black game developers. Her story serves as a testament to the power of perseverance and the importance of empowering access to the gaming industry. Nedd's experiences have taught her that the team is more important than the project, and she hopes to work with like-minded individuals who share her passion for game development. As she looks to the future, Nedd is committed to creating opportunities for underrepresented groups and fostering a more diverse and inclusive gaming industry.