ReportNewzoo
Diversity and Inclusion in Gaming: Insights and Opportunities 2021
1 Jan 202117 pages~12 min full read
47% of U.S. gamers avoid titles they perceive as not designed for them, indicating that inclusive character representation is a critical factor for market reach.
See it on page 7Over half of the gaming audience considers the presence of diverse characters important, with particularly high demand for representation from LGBTQIA+ players and people with disabilities.
See it on page 7Socioeconomic barriers significantly influence platform choice, as Black and Hispanic/Latinx players are more likely to utilize standard consoles or laptops and subscription services like Xbox Game Pass rather than high-end desktops.
See it on page 11The gaming audience is highly diverse, with Black and Asian PC players skewing younger and more female than their white counterparts.
See it on page 6Historical accessibility, such as the low barrier to entry provided by arcades, directly correlates with long-term genre engagement, as seen in the popularity of fighting games among Black players.
See it on page 9Brands that take active stances on social issues and prioritize inclusive design see higher engagement and revenue, as players increasingly align their purchasing habits with companies that reflect their personal values.
See it on page 16This analysis examines the state of representation and accessibility within the United States gaming market, challenging the misconception that the gaming audience is primarily composed of young, white males. Based on a 2020 study of 1,824 gamers aged 10–65, the research argues that the industry’s future growth depends on its ability to cater to a diverse global population of 2.7 billion players. The thesis posits that strengthening diversity and inclusion (D&I) requires a dual approach: improving the representation of marginalized groups in software and increasing the affordability of hardware.
Key findings indicate that 47% of U.S. gamers avoid titles they feel are not made for them, while over half believe it is important for games to feature diverse characters. This sentiment is particularly strong among LGBTQIA+ players and people with disabilities. Data shows that players of color are often more "serious" gamers than their white counterparts; for instance, Black and Asian PC players skew younger and more female. Furthermore, the popularity of the fighting game genre among Black players is linked to historical arcade accessibility, suggesting that low barriers to entry foster long-term community engagement.
The research highlights a significant correlation between socioeconomic status and gaming habits. Black and Hispanic/Latinx players are more likely to use standard laptops or consoles rather than expensive high-end desktops and are more inclined to use subscription services like Xbox Game Pass to manage costs. Ultimately, the analysis concludes that brands taking active stances on social issues and prioritizing inclusive character design can drive higher engagement and revenue, as gamers increasingly prefer companies that reflect their values and identities.
