Glossbird

Press Start! It’s Glossbird — where bold meets sustainable in the gaming industry! ???? They’re passionate about creating games that resonate with the massive yet often overlooked 85% of gamers: women, seniors, BIPOC, and LGBTQ+ communities. They’re innovative player-centric development process is setting a standard, focusing on wellbeing and inclusivity. ???? At Glossbird, they’re not just playing games; they’re pioneering a movement to make the gaming world more inclusive and reflective of diverse communities. They believe life isn’t a game, but through games, we can make life better. ?? ?? None of the information discussed should be taken as investment advice; please see a16z disclosures for more information.

The BBC reports on the positive mental health effects of Cosy Gaming. Cosy games focus on daily routines, community-building, or solving mysteries, rather than combat and competition. They often involve playing in a relaxed setting, with players using lights and blankets to create a comforting atmosphere. The culture includes social interactions where players share their setups (whole environments designed to enhance the game play experience) as an additive part of the play and community connections. This article highlights how players have used Cosy gaming to address everything from anxiety to addiction. They are also amazing at alleviating loneliness and isolation. From Stardew Valley to Animal Crossing, these games have been studied and proven to greatly reduce stress and increase quality of life. Find your medicinal media. ?? #mentalhealth #videogames #anxiety #addiction #loneliness #poweofplay #powerofcommunity #happiness

- Women in the Gaming Industry: ?- In 2022, only 24% of game developers identified as women (IGDA). ?- Women hold just 11% of executive positions. ?- Women of color make up only 2% of the workforce, with less than 1% in leadership roles. ?- Women represent only 15% of technical roles (GDC 2023). ?- Women receive 33% less funding for game projects compared to men (FemHype 2023). ?- Women gamers are underrepresented in esports, making up only 8% of professional players (ESA 2022). ?- Women account for only 22% of gaming industry journalists (Women's Media Center 2021). - Racial and Ethnic Diversity in the Gaming Industry: ?- Only 2% of game developers are Black, 7% Hispanic/Latinx, and 20% Asian (IGDA 2022). ?- Only 5% of video game characters are Black (Diamond Lobby 2020). ?- Black and Hispanic/Latinx individuals hold less than 10% of senior roles in major companies (Diversity in Gaming 2023). ?- Black and Hispanic/Latinx developers earn 20% less on average than their counterparts (IGDA 2022). ?- Only 3% of video game company founders are Black or Hispanic/Latinx (IGDA 2021). - LGBTQ+ Representation in the Gaming Industry: ?- 21% of game developers identify as LGBTQ+, yet have low leadership representation (IGDA 2022). ?- 78% of LGBTQ+ individuals have faced discrimination or harassment in the industry (Queer Women of Esports 2021). ?- Only 5% of LGBTQ+ game developers feel fully supported by their companies' diversity policies (Gayming Magazine 2022). ?- LGBTQ+ characters made up less than 3% of characters in 2022 games (GLAAD). ?- 45% of LGBTQ+ game developers feel their workplace is not inclusive (IGDA 2022). - Age Diversity in the Gaming Industry: ?- 61% of game developers are aged between 30 and 50 (IGDA 2022). ?- Only 12% of game developers are under 25 (ESA 2021). ?- Less than 5% of game developers are over 50 (ESA 2021). ?- Ageism is a significant issue, with 35% of developers believing age impacts career advancement (GDC 2023). I don't engage with overused buzzwords and dog whistle terms. I do, however, engage with data. If you think we are anywhere close to starting to think about tackling diversity and inclusion in games, I encourage you also to engage with this data.