Summary

  • The Game Developers Conference’s (GDC) emotional and controversial 1ReasonToBe panel is returning for its 2024 iteration, with six women from various sectors of the gaming world taking part.
  • The GDC describes the session as one that sheds light on the realities of cultures that are not typically visible to game developers, with a particular focus on the experiences of women across cultures.
  • This year’s topics include accessibility, being a deaf developer, the journey of a Saudi developer, the experience of a South American immigrant, and trans representation in the industry.
  • Organiser Laia Bee faced challenges in putting together the panel, with two prospective participants denied visas, and the US administration signalling its lack of support for diversity initiatives.
  • Nevertheless, Bee urged those interested in the session and in supporting diversity in the games industry more broadly to learn about, attend and share the panel.

By Dean Takahashi

Original Article