Driving Change in the Gaming Industry: Ladell Smith, Auroch Digital

The Game Changers series by GamesIndustry.biz highlights individuals and groups working towards creating a more inclusive and diverse gaming industry. Ladell Smith, associate social and community manager at Auroch Digital, has been recognized for their exceptional efforts in advocating for marginalized voices and promoting positive change. With a strong passion for creating a more diverse and accessible industry, Smith has made a significant impact in their short time in the industry. As a Black woman, Smith is determined to show that people from all backgrounds are worthy of a place in the gaming industry. Smith's colleagues praise their exceptional asset of being an outspoken advocate for mental health, diversity, and inclusion. By being a loud voice in the industry, Smith is pushing for more to be done to make the industry a better place. Smith's work involves being a diversity champion for ethnic minorities, organizing events, and advocating for accessibility through open conversations. They believe that game companies need to be diverse from top to bottom to create meaningful change. Smith emphasizes the importance of recognizing key dates and activities that affect Black and minority ethnic people, such as Juneteenth. They also stress the need for engaging focus groups and consultancies to better identify and mitigate issues. Smith has presented the company's anti-racism policy to senior leaders and has worked on creating a safe and respectful space for colleagues to share their experiences. They also participate in panels, work as a Women in Games Ambassador, and support organizations that promote diversity and inclusion. Smith has started a podcast, They Play Games, to celebrate and thrive with gender non-conforming people. They offer tips for game companies to make low or zero-cost changes, such as focusing on inclusive language, including pronouns on email signatures, and providing alt text descriptions for graphical content. Smith's work is driven by their passion for creating a more inclusive industry, and they believe that everyone should be able to enter the gaming industry regardless of background or race.