Chasing a “Perfect” Games Industry (and “Perfect” Eggs)

a perfect world. noun.

: the best form of human society that one could want

Let’s be real. The world is not and will never be “perfect” simply because we are human. If you take a second to look at yourself (and really ask yourself what makes you, you) and then look to the people around you, even the people you love and feel closest to are different from you. More likely than not, their ideas of “perfect” are different from yours. Maybe you like hard boiled eggs, and that’s your perfect egg. But they think hard boiled eggs are dry. Their perfect egg is soft boiled. Why is this the case? Maybe it’s because you grew up eating hard boiled eggs, or at some point in your life you had something with a soft, squishy texture similar to that of a soft boiled egg and it was a horrible, scarring experience. And they never really ate dryer foods. Maybe every single meal they had growing up was a stew and everything was always over-boiled and soft. If we can have such different perspectives on boiled eggs, it’s no wonder why we have different perspectives on topics such as what the world should be like.

All this talk about perfect worlds and perfect eggs is really just for me to say that when we think about how to create a perfect games industry, it’s important to keep in mind the fact that each person needs different things to feel good about themselves, the people around them, and their roles in the industry as a whole.

A fixed perspective

(Hard boiled eggs only)

When we look at the state of the games industry today, it is critical to remember that the industry is so incredibly young. Video games as we know them now have only been around for 50 to 100 years. It’s pretty mind blowing, at least to me, that SEGA has only been around for 63 years. Even to think that Steam, one of the biggest game platforms, was released by Valve in 2003. With this context, there is no surprise that the industry’s perspectives on people, products, and methods are beginning to feel “traditional”. This perspective held by the industry giants that propelled the industry forward from its birth has made it possible for younger generations to stand on their shoulders. Unfortunately, it has also made it harder for younger generations to feel that they have a voice and to feel empowered.

There is a lack of agency among the younger generations (and even for those who are in junior and senior roles in AAA studios). We see this through the lack of diversity in leadership, the mindset of game developers, and the way the majority of large studios treat their developers.

Through the lens of diversity

(Hard boiled eggs, soft boiled eggs, and maybe even fried eggs)

I think that it’s pretty clear that a solution to this is to improve diversity within the industry so that there is a diversity in perspectives. The games industry, just like a table of eggs, can only be as vibrant and satisfying as the diversity of its offerings. A menu of only hard-boiled eggs lacks the richness and experience found in a menu with a selection of soft-boiled, scrambled, poached, or fried eggs. The same goes for an industry that lacks diversity in its perspectives, leadership, and workforce.

Note: I feel that it’s important for me to emphasize that when I speak about diversity, I mean intersectional diversity. The perspective of diversity that emphasizes “the interconnected relationship of social categorizations (such as race, gender and sexual orientation) as applied to an individual or a group”. To achieve true diversity in perspectives, we need as many perspectives as possible.

There is clear frustration regarding the lack of diversity. Take a look at this article’s overview on Anita Sarkeesian’s 2023 GDC talk: https://www.gamedeveloper.com/gdc2023/whats-really-happening-inside-the-game-industrys-diversity-efforts.

DEI is “A shield against criticism and real change”.

We can change that

(The more eggs the better)

I believe that real change can only be made (within any context) if the individuals involved feel the agency to make the change. Throughout my life, I have seen the impact of teaching a person agency; teaching them that they have control of their lives and the spaces they are in. Learning agency has changed my life, has allowed for me to change the lives of those around me, and has allowed for them to change those around them. When one person is empowered, they empower others.

If we believe that improving diversity is integral to getting us closer to creating a “perfect” games industry, then we need to begin with the individuals.

Outside of building this diverse culture and mindset of agency within my game studio, Test Jar Labs, I am continuing my mission to create a “perfect” games industry, and in turn, a “perfect” world, through my nonprofit, Unlockable Content, which was started by myself and my four co-founders — Jeron Artest, JC Arce, Nyah Beck, and Justin “Jkorn” Korn. All of our stories and backgrounds are incredibly different but we’re united by a shared dream: to make real change in the games industry. And we are starting with the individuals.

Get involved! Check out what we’re doing at Unlockable Content here and reach out if you’re interested in what we’re doing: https://www.unlockablecontent.org/

Let’s create an industry where all eggs are supported, appreciated, and respected.