I don't agree that every game needs to be diverse and for everyone. It depends on the developers and what story they want to tell as well gameplay they want to develop. Based on that they target certain demographics Pandering to everyone leads to games that may be bland and really for no one. The best way to be diverse is to create different games for different audiences. As well as for developers to stay true to themselves. Not be slaves to pushing political agenda, crossing check boxes and trying to please everyone. Videogames are and art needs to stay true in order to inspire and have a chance to be great.

Honestly, this is something that annoys me, like games need to offer diversity in customisation options. The simple colour choices we get sometimes is lacking. I’d love to see a full colour wheel so players can find their skin tone and undertone. And hair?! It needs way more variety, especially for Afro-textured hair, to actually capture its depth and detail. Facial features should be fully customisable too, rather than a handful of presets, which majority of the world doesn’t fit into. Working with diverse creators is one thing that can be worked on and I feel The Sims has started stepping in the right direction. And let’s not stop at customisation, main characters in story-driven games and NPCs should also be included in this convo.

I’d prioritize diverse voices from the ground up. Then, I’d approach character design with authentic research, consulting with communities to capture genuine experiences, not stereotypes. I’d also offer customization options, so players can see themselves in the game. Testing is key, too; I’d get feedback directly from players across backgrounds to refine character design. By making inclusivity part of the process, we can create games where everyone feels seen and valued, enhancing both engagement and authenticity.

Truly inclusive means - have over 7,000 languages and countless cultural flavors in mind. You're not just designing characters, you're crafting bridges across cultures. This means diving deep beyond surface-level diversity. In Japanese, a simple head nod might mean something completely different than in Ethiopia. Partner with cultural consultants, hire diverse writing teams. The key is: - Create customizable characters that respect different beauty standards - Research cultural contexts - Write authentic storylines that reflect real experiences - Consider accessibility for different abilities - Test with diverse player groups