A new initiative aimed at enhancing inclusivity in the esports industry was launched today by PlayVS - a prominent platform for competitive scholastic esports experiences which has always held inclusion as its core principle.
Both the gaming and esports industries are rife with all manners of issues around fair inclusion and discrimination - for example, against females and disabled individuals who would like the opportunity to work within these industries. PlayVS' Game Changers initiative will be focusing on a different aspect of diversity and inclusivity each year, with this year's focus being placed on women in gaming.
Game Changers’ mission over the next year will be to empower and encourage women from high school to college levels to join the esports industry and pursue careers in gaming and tech. It'll do so via a selection of events like Ask-Me-Anything sessions and fireside chats hosted by prominent female figures in the industry. The spotlight will be on the students partaking in the sessions as they learn from some of those who have perhaps gone through similar situations.
Students will receive mentoring from eight ambassadors from different corners of industry, including 100 Thieves Academy Director Kelsey Moser, CEO and founder of Levels Unlocked Enterprises Melita N. Moore, and Head of Strategic Alliances for HyperX Wendy Lecot. The latter highlights the value of this endeavor:
Women are underrepresented in the gaming industry. By seeing and talking to women like myself who hold a position in the business of gaming today, mentoring helps open up the possibilities for the next generation of female talent looking at gaming as a career.
As further incentive for women to get involved in gaming, PlayVS is allowing any school with at least one all-girl esports team to purchase a Premium Annual Pass - usually valued at around $2,000 - for just $1. Find out more info about that here.
Some of the upcoming virtual fireside chats are as follows:
- A Look Inside the Professional Esports Scene on September 9 at 2:30pm PT | Register here for participation.
- Pursuing Esports-Adjacent Careers on September 23 at 2:30pm PT | Register here for participation.
- Creating an Inclusive & Safe Space on October 7 at 2:30pm PT | Register here for participation.
The Game Changers Initiative is confident in its aim to leave no aspiring esports student or professional behind as they work to empower voices from diverse backgrounds and improve inclusion throughout high schools and colleges.
Source: PlayVS