Independent Games Festival starts with a plea for supporting game devs
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Summary
Shawn Pierre, opening the Independent Games Festival Awards, has pleaded for the audience to support game developers who have faced a difficult year of layoffs and studio closures.
He acknowledged that the sector has to do more to address fairness, treating workers humanely, and taking responsibility for its workforce.
Pierre highlighted the hardship faced by independent developers, from discovery to funding, but praised their innovation, creativity and willingness to connect with one another.
Looking to the future, he called for the industry to appreciate the diverse talent and experiences in the global independent gaming community, suggesting that it was imperative to “support the games created by women, black and white people, trans people, queer people and those from the other side of the planet”.
Only by supporting these voices, he concluded, can the industry truly connect the world through the art of video games.