Diversity and inclusion are equally important for different reasons

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Diversity, equity and inclusion are words that have quickly taken on great importance in the video game industry. At GamesBeat Summit Next 2022, a panel of experts convened to discuss what each aspect of DEI means for companies in the games industry and how best to implement them.

Panelists clarified that diversity and inclusion are different things and just because a company serves one doesn't necessarily mean it serves the other. Patty Dingle, Global Head of Diversity and Inclusion at Riot Games, said, “Diversity is really like who's in the room, isn't it? Count all your heads. Inclusion is about making all those heads count – you're in the room, you feel valued…. We all like to think that we're all human, that we're all the same, and that we treat everyone the same. But that's just not true. People go through the world very differently. Their starting point in the world is very different. So when you activate these two things, hopefully you can get to a fair place.

Miguel Doherty, Executive Producer at Puga Studios, added: "Studies show that many people may view a company as diverse but not inclusive. They have the people but they don't really hear from everyone. I think understanding these key concepts makes a big difference when you're aiming for equity as a whole."

Panelists also discussed how to build a studio with DEI in mind. Aletheia O'Neil, co-founder of Tether Studios, said, “If you're trying to reach a diverse, global audience, I think bringing those different perspectives into the first aids. It helps shape that, and if that's the mindset of the studio early on, you'll increase your chances of success."

O'Neil added, "You have to hire the right people, and the best way to start is to target people who are different from you and have different perspectives. People tend to naturally want to surround themselves with people who look like them. If you end up doing that, you have a whole team of like-minded people. You're going to end up with a pretty narrow product."

Doherty said efforts to be more diverse and inclusive can help retain talent and also spread positive word of mouth for businesses. “We've heard a lot of people say, 'I like staying here because it's a very safe environment for me.' It can be a female or a trans person. It's been super healthy for us in terms of growing and keeping these people. And a lot of them are getting more engaged because of it."

Dingle said of his recent efforts at Riot, "People know [DEI] is important. They know it's critical to the business. They just want help with the 'how to'. And that's why I'm here. I'm going to help with the "how" because I have no doubt that people will help me carry out this work. It's not just the people of DCI. Everything the world has to help with that."

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