How can game design education be more inclusive?

1 Define inclusivity

Inclusivity is not just a buzzword or a quota. It is a mindset and a practice that aims to create a game design culture that values and respects the diversity of people, ideas, and experiences. Inclusivity means acknowledging and addressing the systemic and structural inequalities that affect the gaming industry, such as racism, sexism, homophobia, transphobia, ableism, and classism. It also means ensuring that game design education is accessible, affordable, relevant, and empowering for all students, regardless of their identity, background, or situation.

2 Expand the curriculum

Game design education should not be limited to teaching technical skills and tools. It should also expose students to a wide range of game genres, histories, cultures, and contexts. Game design education should encourage students to explore and express their own identities, values, and perspectives through their games, as well as to learn from and appreciate the diversity of others. Game design education should also foster critical thinking, ethical reasoning, and social responsibility among students, so that they can create games that are not only fun and engaging, but also respectful and inclusive.

3 Diversify the faculty

Game design education should not be dominated by a single or dominant group of instructors, mentors, or role models. It should reflect and represent the diversity of the gaming industry and the gaming community. Game design education should recruit, support, and retain faculty members from different backgrounds, experiences, and expertise, who can bring diverse perspectives, insights, and approaches to the classroom. Game design education should also create opportunities for students to interact with and learn from diverse guest speakers, industry professionals, and peers.

4 Support the students

Game design education should not be a one-size-fits-all or a top-down approach. It should be responsive and adaptive to the needs, interests, and goals of each student. Game design education should provide multiple pathways, modes, and formats of learning, such as online, hybrid, flexible, or project-based. Game design education should also offer various forms of support, such as scholarships, mentorships, internships, or networks, that can help students overcome barriers, challenges, or gaps in their game design journey. Game design education should also create a safe and supportive learning environment, where students can feel welcome, respected, and valued.

5 Collaborate and innovate

Game design education should not be isolated or stagnant. It should be connected and dynamic. Game design education should collaborate with other disciplines, fields, and sectors, such as art, science, education, or social justice, to create interdisciplinary and cross-cultural game projects that can address real-world issues, problems, or opportunities. Game design education should also innovate and experiment with new technologies, platforms, methods, or practices that can enhance the quality, diversity, and impact of game design.

6 Evaluate and improve

Game design education should not be complacent or satisfied. It should be reflective and proactive. Game design education should evaluate and measure its effectiveness, outcomes, and impacts, using both quantitative and qualitative data and feedback. Game design education should also seek and implement improvements, changes, or reforms, based on the evidence, needs, and aspirations of the game design community. Game design education should also celebrate and showcase its achievements, successes, and contributions, to inspire and motivate others to join and support the game design movement.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?