Empowering Black Voices in the Gaming Industry: A Path to Sustainability

The pursuit of a more inclusive gaming industry is a long-term endeavor that requires perseverance and dedication. Over the years, numerous organizations and platforms have emerged to support underrepresented communities, with Black Voices in Gaming being a notable example. Since its inception in 2020, the organization has remained committed to its mission of promoting and showcasing the contributions of Black game developers, establishing itself as a staple in media showcases. In an interview with GamesIndustry.biz, Justin Woodward, Director and Co-Founder of Black Voices in Gaming, highlights the importance of creating sustainable opportunities for Black professionals in the industry. Woodward emphasizes the challenges of establishing a nonprofit organization, securing funding, and providing opportunities for developers to thrive. He notes that many of these efforts are still being done on a pro bono basis. The Black Voices in Gaming director stresses that the message of the 2020 summer protests for Black equality remains relevant, with people of color needing to occupy more decision-making positions within the industry. To address this opportunity, Black Voices in Gaming exists to support developers from underrepresented communities. By maintaining a consistent media presence, the organization has been able to spotlight Black game developers through its partnerships with the Media Indie Exchange (MIX) and the Guerrilla Collective showcase, as well as feature in larger publications. Woodward explains that this media presence is a deliberate business decision to help the organization achieve its mission. He mentions that Black Voices in Gaming works with partners like IGN, providing content from its events to support diversity initiatives. The drive to provide lasting support led to the creation of the 2023 XPerience Excellence Accelerator, a collaboration with Netflix that aims to provide funding to mobile game developers. Woodward notes that the idea for the accelerator grew organically from the organization's existing partnership with Netflix Games. The program not only offers monetary support but also establishes a relationship between each cohort developer and Netflix, which could be beneficial in the long term. While the organization intends to expand its developer programs to support Black developers on PC and console, it acknowledges the competitive and financially challenging nature of the mobile gaming industry. To address this, Black Voices in Gaming aims to provide a systematic approach to game development, including relationships with major platforms like Apple and Google. The organization also focuses on showcasing individuals from diverse backgrounds and regions of the African diaspora, highlighting the variety of career paths available in the gaming industry. By promoting these opportunities, Black Voices in Gaming aims to provide longevity to Black professionals in the gaming space, supporting them with networking, funding, publishing, and distribution opportunities.