ICE Barcelona, the flagship event for the gaming industry, is based on being much more than just a place for excellence and innovation in gaming; they strive to be a community that reflects the diverse, inclusive, and equitable society they wish to build in the gaming industry. To this end, they have launched a Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) initiative, a comprehensive effort to foster an environment where every individual in gaming feels valued, respected, and empowered. I’m proud to be an ally for the initiative and to be speaking at the event next year in January.
Why is the DEIB Initiative Happening at ICE?
Barcelona is a melting pot of cultures, ideas, and perspectives, and as an important global event ICE Barcelona is no exception. While ICE Barcelona celebrates this diversity, they also recognise the challenges that can come with it. Inequities, unconscious biases, and systemic barriers can unintentionally undermine the very values the gaming industry holds dear.
The DEIB Initiative at ICE Barcelona stems from their realisation that everyone in gaming must actively work to ensure that everyone, regardless of their background, has equal opportunities to thrive in the industry. Through addressing structural inequalities and creating a culture of belonging, the gaming industry not only aligns with global best practices but also uphold the values of fairness and mutual respect that is central to gaming.
Why is DEIB Important?
- It empowers individuals: when people feel they belong, their confidence grows, creativity flourishes, and their ability to contribute meaningfully skyrockets.
- It drives innovation: diverse teams outperform homogenous ones by bringing fresh perspectives and challenging assumptions—key ingredients for breakthrough ideas.
- It helps to build a resilient community in gaming: an inclusive environment in gaming fosters trust, collaboration, and adaptability, enabling us to navigate challenges with unity and purpose.
- It upholds global relevance: as the leading conference in the gaming space, ICE Barcelona must mirror the diversity of the global community it serves, ensuring that is prepared to lead in an interconnected world.
What Will the DEIB Initiative Include?
The DEIB initiative at ICE Barcelona will include:
- A DEIB allyship programme: ICE Barcelona has asked some of the leading names in the gaming industry to become an DEIB ally for ICE Barcelona.
- Meet ups: in collaboration with African Americans in Gaming and other leading associations in gaming.
- Educational sessions: ICE Barcelona have put together a not to be missed programme of educational sessions on various aspects of DEIB including neurodiversity.
- DEIB Vision Wall: ICE Barcelona will have a DEIB Vision Wall where organisations can pledge their commitment to DEIB initiatives in 2025 and beyond.
Towards a More Inclusive Future – Together
At ICE Barcelona, DEIB is more than an initiative; it is a strong commitment to shaping a better future in the gaming industry. To that end, I am very proud to work on this initiative with ICE Barcelona, drive it and deliver it during ICE Barcelona next month. I am also proud to become one of the DEIB allies for ICE Barcelona.
Through weaving DEIB principles into the DNA of ICE Barcelona, it is hoped that a ripple effect will be created, which will empower not only the gaming community but inspire other industries to champion diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging.
Meet Me at ICE Barcelona in the DEIB Area
If you are going to be at ICE Barcelona on 20/21/22 January, I’ll be there in the DEIB area for all 3 days, and will be giving a talk on Tuesday 21 January 2025 at 14:15 to 15:30 entitled “Inclusive Brilliance: Why Embracing Neurodiversity in Gaming is a Game-Changer.” I’ll also be moderating a couple of panel discussions, and overseeing a DEIB vision wall at the event, so do stop by and say hello, I would love to meet you. I’m also very much looking forward to meeting my fellow allies at the event. Email me via enquiries@lisaventura.co.uk if you are going and would like to meet up with me there.
Let’s build a more inclusive future together 🌍