The Importance of Continuous Conversation About Diversity

The gaming industry has made strides in showcasing underrepresented groups, thanks in part to the annual Ensemble exhibition, which highlights the profiles of industry professionals from diverse backgrounds. During a recent photoshoot for Ensemble, No Code producer Romana Ramzan shared her thoughts on the initiative, emphasizing the significance of diversity and inclusion in the industry. "The progress we've made so far is not sufficient, and we need to continue pushing for more," she stated. Ramzan believes that Ensemble plays a crucial role in dispelling stereotypes about the gaming industry, demonstrating that people from various backgrounds are working in the field and making meaningful contributions. This, in turn, can inspire young and aspiring professionals to consider a career in the industry. Despite the progress made, Ramzan notes that there is still much work to be done to address the gender and ethnic imbalances in the workforce. "We need to keep discussing these issues, even if it becomes repetitive, to show that the problem persists and requires ongoing attention," she said. Ramzan also stresses the importance of accountability among gaming companies, urging them to actively demonstrate their efforts to improve diversity and inclusion. "This is not just a box-ticking exercise, but a necessary step to create content that resonates with diverse audiences," she explained. To achieve this, Ramzan suggests that studios should focus not only on recruitment but also on retention and promotion of underrepresented groups. "We're seeing many people burn out from the industry, and high churn rates are a concern," she said. "To retain talent, we need to provide support structures for growth and development, particularly for those in leadership positions." Ramzan highlights the importance of diverse leadership, citing her own experience as an example. She began her career as an academic, earning a PhD in games and healthcare, before joining the gaming industry. "There is no one-size-fits-all path to getting into the industry," she said. "We need to encourage people to apply, even if they don't tick all the boxes, and provide support for them to grow and develop." No Code is taking steps to improve diversity, with a team of around 20 people, including seven or eight women, and representatives from different ethnicities and countries. Ramzan attributes this to actively reaching out to potential candidates and using recruitment agencies. She also recommends the jobs section at the mentorship initiative Limit Break as a valuable resource for diverse applicants. As the conversation concludes, Ramzan emphasizes the role of leaders in encouraging underrepresented groups to apply for roles and share their ideas. She recalls a moment with Denki boss Colin Anderson, who told her, "If we wanted the same opinion, we would have looked for someone with a similar background. But we wanted a different voice in the room, and that's why we brought you in. Don't be shy, and don't think your experiences don't count. They do."