Empowering the Next Generation of Black Game Developers

This interview is part of a broader initiative to shed light on the experiences of Black professionals in the gaming industry. Adanna Nedd's journey from academic research to game development is a testament to the power of exploration and networking. As a research fellow, Nedd worked on projects that examined the intersection of representation and gaming, sparking her interest in the field. She notes that players of color often struggle to find diverse character skins in games, highlighting the need for greater representation. Nedd's own career path was influenced by her interactions with POC in Play, an organization that connects developers with Black students. She reached out to numerous professionals in the industry, learning about their day-to-day experiences and gaining valuable insights. A conversation with Kim Belair, founder of Sweet Baby Inc., marked a turning point in Nedd's career, leading to her involvement in the game Spirit Swap. Nedd is now paying it forward by mentoring students of color and teaching game development to elementary schoolers. She acknowledges the challenges faced by Black game developers but remains committed to creating a more inclusive and diverse industry. Through her work and advocacy, Nedd is helping to break down barriers and empower the next generation of Black game developers.