Making the Northern games industry more diverse could help it to more global success – that was the message from one of a series of events this week aimed at growing the thriving video games industry.
Liverpool City Region has a long heritage in video games and hosts many companies in the sector today supporting thousands of jobs. But the industry does face skills challenges. Last year, metro mayor Steve Rotheram and the Combined Authority’s Careers Hub launched the GameChangers scheme to promote local talent.
On Thursday, Liverpool hosted the Develop North conference to showcase its video games sector to the world. The keynote was delivered by the leadership team from the city's Wushu Studios.
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On Friday morning, GameChangers Liverpool City Region will hold an event at FACT aimed at tackling what the organisation calls a “skills crisis”, as companies find it hard to hire for technical roles and as educational providers battle to keep up with the sector’s ever-changing technology. GameChangers says the industry must invest in local talent “to grow a local cohort of candidates that are properly equipped for a modern games industry”.
On Wednesday, Liverpool Game-Dev Network teamed up with #RaiseTheGame, an industry-wide equality, diversity & inclusion (EDI) project, to host panel debates on the future of the sector – including a discussion about authenticity and diversity in the workplace.
The event was organised by Marek Smagala, founder of Liverpool Game Dev Network, and Dominic Shaw, who facilitates and runs the #RaiseTheFame initiatives with Ukie.
Alison Lacy, co-chair of Liverpool GameChangers, said some in the games industry historically felt they should focus on money or art rather than thinking about diversity. But she said that making an effort to reach diverse audiences would bring those rewards, by ensuring that games could reach far wider global audiences.
She said: “Diversity will bring lots of money. And it will bring fantastic art. That’s the great thing about it.”
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Alison also talked about how industry leaders should avoid the temptation to hire people just like them – “don’t ask personal questions to find people who share the same hobbies as you".
Louise Andrew, head of art at d3t Ltd added that different people bring different strengths – and said successful companies could “celebrate differences” in their workforce while allowing people to be themselves at work.
Chloe Sinclair, engagement manager at Climax Studios and a specialist in equality, diversity & inclusivity (EDI) initiatives, said the industry needed to continue to “build up voices that aren’t at the table.”
One area where she said companies could be more accessible is in recruitment – for example being clear about definitions of “remote” work The event also talked about the importance of authenticity in the workplace, and about being honest leaders to help ensure staff could reach their full potential.
Both Chloe and Liz Prince, business manager at games recruitment specialists Amiqus, and said leaders should lean into their strengths, acknowledge where they need to develop their skills, and and hire people to fill those gaps.
Liz said a happy team “will benefit you commercially, enormously”.
Another panel session at the event focused on the indie gaming experience in the North West – discussing issues including fundraising. It was hosted by Hannah Wright from Recruitment Heroes with panellists including Jonathan Holmes, CEO and founder at Milky Tea Studios and Alex Moretti, CEO at Fallen Planet Studios.
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