The International Game Developer Association (IGDA) recently conducted its 2023 Developer Satisfaction Survey, shedding light on the industry’s current state and areas for improvement. One of the key findings was that while respondents strongly believed in the importance of diversity within the games industry, they expressed concerns about equal opportunities for all. In fact, 67% of the respondents did not believe that there were equal opportunities in the industry.
Interestingly, when asked about workplace diversity, game content diversity, and industry diversity, the majority of respondents (85% for workplace and game content diversity, and 87% for industry diversity) emphasized their significance. Moreover, 58% of the respondents believed that the industry had become more diverse in the past two years. These numbers indicate a growing awareness and recognition of the importance of diversity within the gaming community.
However, there seems to be a disconnect between the perceived importance of diversity and the existence of workplace programs aimed at increasing diversity, equity, and inclusion. According to the survey, 28% of respondents said their company had no such programs, while 30% claimed to be unaware of any initiatives. This suggests that while many companies acknowledge the importance of diversity, they may not be actively implementing strategies to promote it.
Another significant concern raised by the survey was the issue of crediting policies. Only 48% of respondents reported that their company had a crediting policy for their games, and 29% were unsure if such a policy existed. This lack of clarity regarding crediting policies can lead to uncertainty and frustration among developers who are unsure if their work will be properly recognized and credited. Furthermore, when asked if they believed their name would appear in the credits of a project they worked on, 71% expressed confidence. However, this number dropped to 41% if they hypothetically left the studio before the project’s completion. These findings indicate a need for more transparent and consistent crediting practices within the industry.
In response to these concerns, the IGDA has issued a call-to-action to the gaming industry, urging companies to “stop driving talent away.” They have also provided a list of actionable steps that companies can take to support their employees and foster sustainable growth. It is crucial for companies to prioritize fair opportunities, diverse workplaces, and clear crediting policies to attract and retain top talent in the industry.
The survey also revealed that the majority of respondents (67%) had positive relationships with management, indicating that there is a foundation of trust and collaboration within many companies. However, there are still areas for improvement, particularly in policies relating to complaints and crediting. Companies should focus on strengthening these areas to ensure a fair and inclusive working environment for all employees.
In conclusion, the 2023 Developer Satisfaction Survey highlights the importance of diversity and fair opportunities within the games industry. It underscores the need for companies to actively implement programs that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion. Additionally, clear and consistent crediting policies are essential for recognizing and valuing the contributions of developers. By addressing these concerns and taking action, the gaming industry can create a more inclusive and supportive environment for its workforce.
