Key Considerations for Fostering a Safe and Inclusive Gaming Studio

Code Coven's co-CEO Cinzia Musio recently spoke at Develop Brighton, advocating for enhanced support of marginalized individuals within the gaming industry. Musio's presentation, 'Supporting Marginalised Genders in Games: Where is the Accountability?', delved into studio initiatives that promote accountability and create a diverse, inclusive atmosphere. She also introduced Code Coven's new Evolve program, a studio accreditation initiative aiming to establish a standard for accountability and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in the gaming industry. East Side Games became the first studio to receive Evolve accreditation. Musio noted that the journey towards equity, diversity, and inclusion requires embracing difficult conversations and unlearning systems of privilege. She emphasized that developers and studios must commit to systemic change to prevent discrimination and harassment, acknowledging that while representation has improved slightly, systemic issues in leadership remain unchanged. Musio highlighted the lack of diversity at the Summer Game Fest as an example of the industry's shortcomings. She stressed that diversity and inclusion should not be treated as a 'tick box exercise' and that everyone deserves to be safe, regardless of their background. Musio outlined practical tools for studios to drive systemic change, including making tough choices, fostering a safe environment for voicing concerns, and eliminating toxic individuals from the workplace. She recommended that studios create a safe work environment where employees can confidently raise issues and receive constructive feedback, noting that it is the role of senior leadership to address systemic issues. Musio also emphasized the importance of removing toxic individuals from the studio, even if it means rehiring senior staff, as the risk to marginalized employees' wellbeing is too great. She urged company leaders to identify and address barriers to progression for marginalized individuals, such as the 'glass ceiling', and to investigate why certain groups are consistently overlooked for promotions. Musio encouraged studios to cultivate an inclusive environment, highlighting its benefits for innovation, hiring, and retention. She suggested that managers consider making benefits more inclusive, implementing effective reporting processes, and addressing pay gaps. Concluding her talk, Musio reminded the audience of the gaming industry's unique position to promote empathy and understanding through storytelling, emphasizing the need to invest time in supporting marginalized individuals within studios to drive positive change.