You're facing inclusivity barriers in game design. How can you navigate team dynamics effectively?

Understanding bias is the first step toward creating an inclusive game design team. Bias can be unconscious and stem from a lack of exposure to diverse perspectives. As a team member, you need to recognize your own biases and encourage others to do the same. This self-awareness can pave the way for more inclusive discussions and decision-making. By acknowledging that everyone has biases, you create a safe space for team members to express themselves and challenge the status quo, leading to a more diverse and creative environment.

I think this is important for a few reasons. Understanding bias is, at its core, recognizing the decades of social stigmas, stereotyping, and opinions surrounding diverse individuals in addition to how those play into internal and external biases. Whether a person is disabled, has a different sexual orientation than our own, what race, what gender identity they are, or nationality, there exists a battle with their long established social stigmas or stereotypes associated with that identity. As we move into a new era of inclusivity, it is our duty as human beings to do our best to separate these biases and stereotypes from the diverse individuals applying to the position.

Effective communication is paramount in team collaboration. Open dialogue promoting inclusivity is essential. How can one identify and address issues that are unfamiliar to them if they remain unspoken?

Brainstorming sessions for games with a room full of bright ideas look fabulous until you attend one. Games have many parameters influencing the experience, such as mechanisms, side mechanisms, story, art style, and dynamics. Without a clear focus, the design team might spend hours discussing exciting ideas without real results. You could end up talking about the game’s economy and new avatar hats, which are great but not the main focus. Setting clear, goal-oriented objectives ensures productive discussions and tangible outcomes. Align everyone on specific, actionable goals to foster both creativity and inclusivity. Regular check-ins will keep the team focused, ensuring continuous improvement and successful game design.

Regardless of how you identify, NEVER be afraid to send support as an Ally. To this day, I continue to see an unreasonable amount of unnecessary hate funneled towards minority groups. Our Community needs more friends willing to step up and simply shake hands. If you have a friend who you notice seems a bit left out, don't be afraid to simply reach out and offer some support. A coffee chat never hurt anyone. ^-^ Hope this helps! ??

Introduce staff to the wide array of accessibility guidelines and convey the benefits of both accessibility and inclusivity.