There are three basic interlocking problems here. First, the current games industry represents a vicious circle of under-representation that is familiar across the whole of tech: the less that young women and people of colour see themselves represented in the sector, the less theyre likely to apply for jobs. Society doesnt see technical women enough so its assumed that they dont exist and technology isnt something women do, says Anne-Marie Imafidon, co-founder of Stemettes, a group offering free Stem workshops and events for young women. These attitudes and social norms permeate decisions made at all levels so women arent hired, promoted or given positions of responsibility and the cycle continues.
There is also a problem of culture. The mainstream industry has spent years pandering to a hardcore demographic of young men, but when aspects of that audience indulge in abusive and threatening behaviour online, via social media and gaming forums, theres very little comeback from the major publishers. Gamergate is an example of the shortcomings, says Damilola Odelola founder of another diversity initiative, Blackgirl.tech, which provides free workshops introducing black women to technology, including virtual reality and coding. There was a public outcry, but the issue wasnt addressed properly by the industry. The reaction felt superficial.
Finally, there is a problem with institutional discrimination and abuse. In 2015, The Gender Balance Workforce Survey, conducted by the Next Gen Skills Academy, surveyed around 40% of the women working in games in the UK and found that 45% felt that their gender was a limiting factor in their career progression, while 33% said theyd experienced direct harassment or bullying because of their gender.
