Resilience in the Gaming Industry: A Conversation with Vanessa Brasfield

This in-depth interview is part of GamesIndustry.biz's Black Voices Progress Report, offering a unique perspective on the experiences of Black professionals in the gaming industry. Vanessa Brasfield initially aspired to enter the industry as an artist but soon discovered that her true passion lay in helping others understand complex concepts. She pursued a Master of Science degree in applied computer graphics, art, and design, with a focus on data analytics and research. Now, as a community coordinator at Crystal Dynamics, Brasfield is dedicated to assisting individuals in navigating the gaming industry and promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion. She emphasizes the need for transparency in the hiring process, stating that the industry has a 'giant size transparency problem.' Brasfield suggests that a more personalized approach to career development, similar to the guidance provided by high school counselors, could be beneficial in helping individuals find suitable positions. She also highlights the importance of expanding skill sets, particularly in higher education, to prepare students for the industry. Brasfield notes that content creators, such as streamers, often possess skills that are valuable in community management, including overseeing communities, creating schedules, and planning content. She advises these individuals to update their resumes to reflect their experience. Despite her current success, Brasfield is candid about the challenges faced by the gaming industry, including the recent wave of layoffs and the impact on diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. She stresses the need for resilience in the industry, stating that 'you have to be built a little bit differently to stay resilient.' Brasfield's own journey is a testament to this, having faced setbacks and rejections in the past. However, she persevered and eventually found her way into the industry through streaming and community building. Her experiences have taught her the value of adaptability, hard work, and determination. Brasfield acknowledges that there is still much work to be done to increase diversity in the gaming industry, particularly in terms of representation and opportunities for Black professionals. She emphasizes the importance of meaningful action and concrete steps towards creating a more inclusive environment, rather than just paying lip service to diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. The industry's efforts to highlight and support overlooked communities, such as during Black History Month, are seen as a positive step, but Brasfield believes that more needs to be done to create lasting change. She notes that game studios composed of people from diverse backgrounds are creating innovative and engaging experiences, demonstrating the value of a diverse and inclusive pool of game developers. Ultimately, Brasfield's story serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of resilience, determination, and advocacy in creating a more inclusive and equitable gaming industry.