LOS
ANGELES, July 10, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Geena Davis
Institute (GDI) announced today the launch of The GDI
Playbook, a research-driven, free digital resource designed to
foster cultural competency and inclusivity in game development.
Players of all ages, backgrounds, and perspectives are connected
through the shared joy of gaming. As of 2020, the gaming community
consists of more than three billion people worldwide, 46% of whom
are women, 16% are LGBTQIA+, and 31% of players report having a
disability[1]. Despite this diverse community
of gamers, their reflection on screen is significantly lacking.
With support from Oak Foundation, The GDI Playbook presents an
opportunity to break new ground in terms of authentic and inclusive
representation in gaming, helping creators craft new realms where
all players have an opportunity to belong.
"Video gaming unites people across the globe. The GDI Playbook
was designed to foster more inclusivity and diverse characters and
narrative in an organic way," said Madeline
Di Nonno, President & CEO of the Geena Davis Institute.
"Our goal is that this Playbook helps to create a gaming world that
welcomes every player."
In partnership with Ukie / #RaiseTheGame and Women in Games, The
GDI Playbook was first debuted at a launch event in London on June
25, where key entertainment, media, and gaming industry
leaders experienced a firsthand presentation and subsequent
discussion on how to facilitate diverse, and culturally inclusive
representation on and off screen.
The Playbook made its U.S. debut Friday at the Games for Change
Festival at The New School, Parsons School of
Design in New York.
Attendees received an exclusive walk-through of the digital
resource including best practice guidance, insights, and resources
aimed at bridging intent with action.
The GDI Playbook is divided into five topics, called "Keys," to
help game creators craft engaging and meaningful games. Each key
includes tips for prioritizing inclusivity throughout the game
development process, including how to Craft Your Approach, Craft
Stories, Craft Characters, Craft Connection and Craft
Belonging.
"We hope this resource will aid companies in the gaming industry
to help introduce different, more-rounded perspectives and ensure a
more diverse play experience, characters and more. I'm excited to
see how this can help affect future change in the gaming industry
for many entities," said Anna
Rafferty, SVP of Digital Consumer Engagement at the LEGO
Group, who sat as part of the industry Advisory Panel to help shape
the GDI Playbook.
Nick Poole, CEO of Ukie (UK
Interactive Entertainment) adds, "On behalf of Ukie, I am delighted
that we have been able to support the development and launch of the
GDI Playbook. Video games provide powerful cultural and leisure
experiences for billions of players worldwide. By working together
as an industry, we can ensure that games fully reflect and
celebrate the diversity of our societies."
Gaming is just one of GDI's many focus areas in championing
equitable on-screen representation across entertainment media.
Through collaboration with media producers, executives,
advertisers, and content creators, GDI provides active guidance
that drives the industry toward a more diverse and inclusive
future.
The comprehensive GDI Playbook can be viewed HERE.
Visit geenadavisinstitute.org for more information or keep up with
Geena Davis Institute on LinkedIn, Instagram, Threads, Facebook,
YouTube or X, formerly Twitter.
About Geena Davis Institute
Founded in 2004 by two-time Academy Award Winning Actor
Geena Davis, the Geena Davis
Institute (GDI) is the only global research-based organization
working collaboratively within entertainment media to systemically
increase the on-screen representation of six major identities:
gender, race/ethnicity, LGBTQIA+, disability, age 50+ and body
type. If they can see it, they can be it.
[1] Newzoo's 2022 Gamer Sentiment
Study
CONTACT:
Madeline
Di Nonno
President & CEO
Geena Davis
Institute
madeline@geenadavisinstiute.org
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content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/geena-davis-institute-launches-gdi-playbook-to-drive-inclusivity-in-gaming-302193667.html
SOURCE Geena Davis Institute