Cornerstones for Creativity and Success: Finnish Game Cultural Organisations' Public DEI Definitions and Practices

A study by Friman, Taino, Laakso, Myöhänen, and Sotamaa from Tampere University examines how Finnish game cultural organisations publicly define and practise diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). Drawing on a reflexive qualitative content analysis of 18 public DEI documents from 11 organisations, the research addresses a gap in game culture scholarship, which has concentrated largely on North America. Finland provides a distinctive context, with over 100,000 associations for 5.6 million citizens and an industry of more than 200 studios supported by an active network of cultural organisations.

The documents fall into four types: codes of conduct, which are the most common, along with DEI guides, DEI statements, and DEI strategies. They broadly reflect research-based recommendations such as clear reporting procedures, zero-tolerance policies, and inclusive event practices. Organisations typically frame DEI in terms of societal impact, such as countering stereotypes and fostering change, and in terms of success, including economic and talent-related benefits. Yet the terms are rarely defined explicitly, and most definitions trace back to a single source, the City of Helsinki's Non-Toxic project.

In practice, the documents address three areas: administrative and governance measures, inclusive game design and marketing, and the creation of safe environments. Challenges such as harassment, tokenism, and discriminatory ideologies are acknowledged but rarely examined in depth. Notably, only one organisation had a publicly available equality plan, despite Finnish law requiring such plans from larger employers. The authors conclude that DEI is largely treated as a pathway to continued success, but few organisations set measurable goals or monitor progress, underscoring the need for research into the actual effectiveness of these initiatives.