The road to game industry diversity: Building on Phil Spencer’s 5 steps from DICE

As a 25 year-plus veteran of the game industry, I’ve seen all too closely the danger that arises from a lack of women in leadership positions. I have my share of #MeToo stories. The wounds from Gamergate are still fresh for many women gamers and industry professionals, who are accustomed to bracing themselves against an ever-present possibility of harassment.

Despite the systemic change happening in other fields, a safe workplace for all people in the gaming industry has felt out of reach. Leaders are almost entirely men: One 2017 study in the U.K. found that just 14 percent of those working in the industry are women. Examining racial diversity presents even bleaker statistics: past studies have concluded that over 76 percent of game developers are white. Where such stark disparities exist, true equality can feel impossible.