Inclusivity in Gaming

Blog #8

 The Importance of Inclusivity in Gaming 

The demand for representation and inclusivity in games and gaming spaces has increased in recent years. Gamers are ready to see the shift. Globally 64% of gamers state that diversity in games is important to them, according to the Global Gamer Study’s aggregate of 36 markets. This percentage “rises when it comes to younger gamers” (Ngoc, 2023). 

More than 50% of gamers agree they avoided certain games they felt “weren’t made for them” (Ngoc, 2023). An increasing number of gamers are leaning toward diverse games because of their broader audience appeal. For LGBTQ gamers, a safe and inclusive environment is about more than just gameplay, “with nearly 70% indicating they are less likely to buy from a studio with a history of mistreating LGBTQ workers” (GLAAD, 2024). 

There are many benefits of inclusive gaming, especially for individuals with disabilities. There are therapeutic and cognitive benefits, as well as the positive effects of increased social connection. “In a world where many people with disabilities face physical and societal barriers, inclusive gaming offers a platform for connection and expression” (AbleGamers, 2024). 

In response to the demand, game developers are working to enhance inclusivity, representation, and accessibility. Gamers have reported “seeing more diverse audiences represented in video games within the past two years” (Shi, 2019). A prime example of these expansions is the Sims franchise. “With the release of The Sims 4, the franchise has added more customization options” including options for trans and disabled avatars (Ngoc, 2023). 

Sources 

AbleGamers. (2023, August 4). Why Inclusive Gaming Matters. AbleGamers. https://ablegamers.org/why-inclusive-gaming-matters/ 

GLAAD Gaming. (2024). The State of LGBTQ Inclusion in Video Games.

Ngoc, M. T. L. (2023, August 1). What players say about representation in video games in 2023. Newzoo. https://newzoo.com/resources/blog/diversity-and-representation-video-games-2023

Shi, J. (2019, March 7). What Inclusion Means to Players. Medium. https://medium.com/@Electronic_Arts/what-inclusion-means-to-players-db4522bdd8a0