WHERE DO WE FIT AS BLACK AND RACIALIZED CREATIVES IN THE DIGITAL ENTERTAINMENT AND INTERACTIVE INDUSTRY?
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WHERE DO WE FIT AS BLACK AND RACIALIZED CREATIVES IN THE DIGITAL ENTERTAINMENT AND INTERACTIVE INDUSTRY?
The video game industry is a multi-billion dollar market, and one of the most successful areas of the entertainment industry. With the important discussion of representation in front and behind the cameras, what has been done in that regard by the video game industry? Are we seeing enough push for the inclusion of Black and racialized developers as well as characters leading the stories? Do diverse developers feel heard and included by the digital entertainment and interactive industry, and what can be done to improve that inclusion and make BIPOC professionals a bigger and more vocal part of that conversation?
MODERATOR:
Arthur Protasio, Senior Narrative Designer, Archiact
Arthur Protasio is a Latin-American Emmy-nominated writer-director originally from Brazil whose specialty is developing multiplatform content. With over 9 years of experience in the TV/Film, video games, and VR industries, he is a senior narrative designer at Archiact VR, founder of Fableware Narrative Design, and has worked with Disney, Netflix, Sony Pictures, Bytedance, and Samsung on titles such as the Cobra Kai games; tactical RPG, Sword Legacy: Omen; VR adventure, Angest; and TV series, Now Generation. When not crafting new tales, he teaches creative writing at the University of British Columbia.
SPEAKERS Andrew Stewart, Gameplay Animator, The Coalition
Andrew is a mixed-race artist born and raised on the unceded territories of the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh First Nations. He has been working as an animator in television, film, and video games for over a decade. When he is not working on award-winning projects, he enjoys participating in athletic and creative pursuits such as life drawing, callisthenics, and cooking.
Derek NG-Cummings, CEO, OneSelf World Media
As an experienced Game Director of Animation and now CEO of OneSelf World Media, Derek honed his abilities by collaborating with multi-faceted designers, artists, and programmers to push the mobile market's visual bar. His understanding of Unity and animation tools has allowed him to deliver a top-grossing game, Contest of Champions and Transformers, winning awards for best visual graphics.
Tamara Jerée, Game Writer, Brace Yourself Games
Tamara Jerée (they/them) is a games writer, poet, and short fiction author. Their work appears in science fiction and fantasy magazines such as Strange Horizons, Beneath Ceaseless Skies, and Uncanny Magazine. They’re currently a writer at Brace Yourself Games and previously contributed to Fallen London at Failbetter Games.
