GITNUX MARKETDATA REPORT 2024

Diversity In The Game Industry Statistics

To see improved diversity and representation in the game industry statistics.

Highlights: Diversity In The Game Industry Statistics

  • As of 2019, 46% of gamers are female, while women make up only 22% of the game industry workforce.
  • According to a 2017 survey, the game industry is 76% male.
  • Among game developers, 61% identify as white, 19% East Asian, and only 2% identify as Black.
  • In 2020, 90% of game developers reported they believe the industry lacks diversity.
  • Latinx people account for 3.4% of the game industry but represent 18.3% of the US population.
  • People of Arab and Middle Eastern descent make up 0.8% of the game industry.
  • In 2020, only 24% of game developers in the UK were female.
  • In the US, 83% of Black teens play video games, yet only 2% of game developers are Black.
  • 70% of employees in the games industry are under 35, but only 19% are under 25.
  • The percentage of people with disabilities working in the game industry is less than 2%.
  • In a 2017 survey, transgender individuals made up 2% of game developers.
  • Nonbinary individuals only accounted for 0.3% of the game industry in 2017.
  • Only 21% of game developers feel the industry has increased in diversity in the past 2 years.
  • Asian individuals make up 18% of the game industry, although this group is general is diverse and includes numerous ethnicities.
  • LGBTQ+ individuals make up 23% of the games industry.
  • 69% of the game industry workforce feels diversity is either 'somewhat' or 'very' important.
  • Close to 80% of game developers report a workplace culture that is non-inclusive to diverse individuals.
  • As of 2019, less than 0.5% of the game developers identified themselves as Pacific Islanders.
  • Female developers make up only 20% of the workforce in Canadian game industry.

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The Latest Diversity In The Game Industry Statistics Explained

As of 2019, 46% of gamers are female, while women make up only 22% of the game industry workforce.

This statistic highlights a notable disparity between the gender representation among gamers and within the game industry workforce. As of 2019, data shows that nearly half of the overall gaming population are female, indicating a significant presence of women in the gaming community. However, women are significantly underrepresented in the game industry workforce, making up only 22% of the total workforce. This discrepancy suggests a lack of gender diversity within the game development sector, with a substantial gap between the demographics of gamers and those involved in creating the games. This raises important questions about gender equality, inclusivity, and opportunities for women in the gaming industry that may warrant further investigation and efforts to address gender disparities in this field.

According to a 2017 survey, the game industry is 76% male.

The statistic indicates that in 2017, the game industry was predominantly male, with males comprising 76% of the workforce or player base. This suggests a gender imbalance within the industry, potentially reflecting historical patterns of gender representation in gaming. The statistic may also shed light on issues related to gender diversity and inclusivity within the game industry, highlighting the need for more efforts to promote gender equality and representation in gaming-related professions and communities. The figure of 76% underscores the significant underrepresentation of women in the game industry and may serve as a call to action for stakeholders to address barriers to entry, support diversity initiatives, and create a more inclusive environment for all genders within the industry.

Among game developers, 61% identify as white, 19% East Asian, and only 2% identify as Black.

This statistic describes the racial demographics of game developers, indicating that among this group, 61% identify as white, 19% as East Asian, and only 2% as Black. These percentages suggest a lack of diversity within the game development industry, with white and East Asian individuals being overrepresented compared to their presence in the general population. The low representation of Black developers at 2% highlights a significant disparity and raises questions about potential barriers or challenges faced by Black individuals entering or succeeding in this field. It also underscores the importance of promoting diversity and inclusion initiatives within the gaming industry to create a more representative and equitable environment for all individuals.

In 2020, 90% of game developers reported they believe the industry lacks diversity.

The statistic indicates that in 2020, a significant majority of game developers, specifically 90%, expressed their belief that the gaming industry lacks diversity. This suggests that the developers perceive a lack of representation and inclusivity within the industry, likely pertaining to factors such as gender, ethnicity, and inclusion of diverse perspectives and talent. Such a high percentage reflects a widespread concern among game developers regarding the need for more diverse and inclusive practices within the industry to better reflect the diverse player base and improve overall innovation and creativity in game development.

Latinx people account for 3.4% of the game industry but represent 18.3% of the US population.

This statistic indicates a significant disparity in representation within the game industry compared to the overall population of the United States. Specifically, Latinx individuals make up 3.4% of the workforce in the game industry, which is substantially lower than their representation in the US population at 18.3%. This suggests an underrepresentation of Latinx individuals within the game industry relative to their demographic share in the broader society. Such disparities can have implications for diversity, inclusion, and opportunity within the industry, highlighting the need for efforts to address and rectify these imbalances.

People of Arab and Middle Eastern descent make up 0.8% of the game industry.

The statistic stating that people of Arab and Middle Eastern descent make up 0.8% of the game industry suggests that this demographic group constitutes a very small proportion of the overall workforce within the gaming sector. This statistic may reflect broader patterns of underrepresentation or lack of diversity within the industry, which could have implications for issues such as inclusivity, representation, and potential barriers to entry or advancement for individuals from Arab and Middle Eastern backgrounds. It highlights the importance of promoting diversity and inclusivity efforts within the game industry to ensure that a wider range of perspectives and talents are being included and supported in this rapidly growing and influential sector.

In 2020, only 24% of game developers in the UK were female.

The statistic that in 2020, only 24% of game developers in the UK were female suggests a gender imbalance within the game development industry in the UK. This figure indicates that a significant majority of game developers in the UK are male, highlighting a lack of gender diversity within the industry. The underrepresentation of women in game development may be attributed to various factors such as societal norms, lack of opportunities, and potential barriers to entry in the field. Addressing this disparity is important for promoting diversity and inclusivity within the industry, as well as tapping into the diverse perspectives and talents that women can bring to game development.

In the US, 83% of Black teens play video games, yet only 2% of game developers are Black.

The statistic highlights a significant disparity in the representation of Black individuals in the gaming industry in the United States. While 83% of Black teenagers engage in playing video games, indicating a strong interest and participation in the medium, only a mere 2% of game developers are Black. This discrepancy suggests a lack of diversity and inclusion within the industry, potentially hindering the creation of games that resonate with or are reflective of the diverse experiences and perspectives of Black gamers. Addressing this underrepresentation is crucial not only for promoting diversity and equality within the gaming industry but also for fostering creativity, innovation, and better representation in the games that are created and enjoyed by a diverse audience.

70% of employees in the games industry are under 35, but only 19% are under 25.

This statistic suggests that a significant majority (70%) of employees in the games industry fall under the age of 35. However, when we narrow this down further, only a smaller proportion (19%) are under the age of 25. This indicates that while the industry as a whole skews towards a younger demographic, there is a drop in representation specifically within the under 25 age group. It could imply that there may be a higher turnover rate among younger employees, or that there are barriers to entry for those at a younger age. Further analysis would be needed to understand the underlying factors driving these age distributions within the games industry.

The percentage of people with disabilities working in the game industry is less than 2%.

This statistic highlights the stark underrepresentation of individuals with disabilities within the game industry, as less than 2% of the workforce is made up of people with disabilities. This disparity not only raises concerns about the lack of diversity and inclusion within the industry, but also points to potential barriers that may be preventing individuals with disabilities from entering or thriving in this sector. Addressing these systemic issues is crucial in fostering a more equitable and accessible environment for all individuals, regardless of their abilities, to contribute and thrive within the game industry.

In a 2017 survey, transgender individuals made up 2% of game developers.

The statistic ‘In a 2017 survey, transgender individuals made up 2% of game developers’ indicates that among the population of game developers surveyed in 2017, 2% identified as transgender. This suggests that transgender individuals were a minority within the game development industry at that time. This statistic sheds light on the diversity within the field of game development and highlights the importance of representation and inclusion of transgender individuals in the industry. It also provides valuable insight for understanding the demographic makeup of game developers and the need for promoting diversity and inclusivity within the profession.

Nonbinary individuals only accounted for 0.3% of the game industry in 2017.

The statistic that nonbinary individuals accounted for only 0.3% of the game industry in 2017 indicates the low representation of gender-diverse individuals within the field. This statistic suggests that there is a significant underrepresentation of nonbinary individuals in the game industry compared to the overall population. Such a lack of diversity can have implications on the inclusivity and diversity of perspectives within the industry, potentially leading to a homogenous workforce and limited representation of diverse experiences in game development. Addressing this imbalance and promoting greater diversity and inclusion within the game industry may help foster creativity, innovation, and representation in gaming content and development processes.

Only 21% of game developers feel the industry has increased in diversity in the past 2 years.

The statistic that only 21% of game developers feel the industry has increased in diversity in the past 2 years indicates a relatively low perception of positive change within the game development sector. This suggests that a significant proportion of game developers do not believe there has been significant progress towards improving diversity and inclusivity in the industry over the specified timeframe. This statistic highlights a potential lack of diversity initiatives or their effectiveness within the gaming industry, emphasizing a need for further attention and action to address issues related to representation and inclusivity in game development.

Asian individuals make up 18% of the game industry, although this group is general is diverse and includes numerous ethnicities.

This statistic indicates that Asian individuals collectively comprise 18% of the game industry, showcasing a significant presence within the industry. It recognizes the diversity of the Asian group, which encompasses various ethnicities, cultures, and backgrounds. Despite this diversity, the statistic highlights the overall representation of individuals of Asian descent in the game industry. This information suggests that Asian individuals, while constituting a notable portion of the industry, may bring unique perspectives and talents stemming from their diverse backgrounds, enriching the overall landscape of the game industry with their contributions.

LGBTQ+ individuals make up 23% of the games industry.

The statistic that LGBTQ+ individuals make up 23% of the games industry suggests that nearly a quarter of the workforce in the gaming sector identifies as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, or other sexual orientations and gender identities. This statistic highlights the presence and representation of LGBTQ+ individuals within the industry, indicating a diverse and inclusive workforce. It also signifies a significant portion of the talent pool contributing to the development, production, and marketing of games, showcasing the importance of LGBTQ+ perspectives and voices in shaping the gaming landscape. Additionally, this statistic underscores the need for continued efforts to support and empower LGBTQ+ individuals within the industry to foster innovation, creativity, and equality.

69% of the game industry workforce feels diversity is either ‘somewhat’ or ‘very’ important.

The statistic ‘69% of the game industry workforce feels diversity is either ‘somewhat’ or ‘very’ important’ indicates that a significant majority of individuals working in the game industry consider diversity to be a crucial aspect. This finding suggests that there is a strong recognition within the industry of the value and significance of diversity in various aspects such as representation, creativity, and workplace culture. The statistic implies that a substantial portion of the workforce acknowledges the importance of promoting diversity and inclusivity within the game industry, which could lead to increased efforts to foster a more diverse and inclusive environment within the industry.

Close to 80% of game developers report a workplace culture that is non-inclusive to diverse individuals.

The statistic stating that close to 80% of game developers report a workplace culture that is non-inclusive to diverse individuals suggests a concerning trend in the gaming industry. This high percentage indicates that a significant majority of developers feel marginalized or excluded based on their diversity characteristics such as race, gender, sexual orientation, or ethnicity. A non-inclusive workplace culture can lead to negative consequences such as reduced morale, creativity, and productivity among employees, ultimately affecting the overall success and innovation within the industry. Addressing these issues and promoting diversity and inclusivity within game development companies is crucial to fostering a more supportive and equitable environment for all employees.

As of 2019, less than 0.5% of the game developers identified themselves as Pacific Islanders.

This statistic indicates that a very small proportion of game developers in 2019 self-identified as Pacific Islanders, specifically less than half a percent. This suggests that individuals from the Pacific Islander community were significantly underrepresented in the game development industry at that time. The low percentage highlights a lack of diversity within the field and points to potential barriers or challenges faced by Pacific Islanders in pursuing careers in game development. Addressing this representation gap is important for promoting inclusivity and diversity in the industry, as diverse perspectives and experiences can enrich the development process and lead to more innovative and inclusive games.

Female developers make up only 20% of the workforce in Canadian game industry.

This statistic indicates that only 20% of the workforce in the Canadian game industry consists of female developers. This suggests a significant gender imbalance within the industry, with women being underrepresented in game development roles. The low percentage of female developers could be attributed to various factors such as gender discrimination, lack of diversity initiatives, and societal stereotypes. Addressing this issue is crucial for promoting gender equality in the gaming industry and creating a more inclusive and diverse work environment. Efforts to increase the representation of women in game development roles could lead to broader perspectives, creativity, and innovation within the industry.

References

0. – https://www.www.bbc.com

1. – https://www.www.gdcvault.com

2. – https://www.www.npd.com

3. – https://www.www.igda.org

4. – https://www.time.com

5. – https://www.www.gamasutra.com

6. – https://www.www.gamesindustry.biz

7. – https://www.esac.ca

8. – https://www.www.theesa.com

9. – https://www.ukie.org.uk

How we write our statistic reports:

We have not conducted any studies ourselves. Our article provides a summary of all the statistics and studies available at the time of writing. We are solely presenting a summary, not expressing our own opinion. We have collected all statistics within our internal database. In some cases, we use Artificial Intelligence for formulating the statistics. The articles are updated regularly.

See our Editorial Process.

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