Empowering the Next Generation of Black Game Developers

This interview is part of a series exploring the experiences of Black professionals in the gaming sector. Adanna Nedd, a writer and narrative designer, began her journey in the industry after working as a research fellow, focusing on the intersection of representation and gaming. Her research examined how players of color purchase in-game skins, highlighting the lack of diversity in character options. Nedd's career shift was inspired by her interactions with POC in Play, an organization that connects Black students with game developers. She reached out to numerous industry professionals, learning about their day-to-day experiences and discovering that game development could be a viable career path. Nedd's journey has not been without challenges, but she has found support through initiatives like Black in Gaming and POC in Play. She is now paying it forward by mentoring students of color and teaching game development to elementary schoolers. Nedd has also participated in panels, such as The Exaggerated Swagger of a Black Game Dev, and offers free narrative resources to aspiring developers. Her current project, Spirit Swap: Lo-Fi Beats To Match-3 To, combines her passions for diverse casts, romance, and magical girl tropes. Nedd's goal is to work with a supportive team, prioritizing collaboration over project specifics. She acknowledges the difficulties of breaking into the industry, particularly for Black developers, and advocates for more support systems and accessible resources. By sharing her story and expertise, Nedd aims to create a more inclusive and diverse gaming industry.