Concerns regarding social mobility in the games industry have emerged, emphasizing the risks of elitism similar to the theater. The annual Develop:Brighton conference recognized this by hosting its first meet-up for working-class individuals. The non-profit Into Games, founded by Declan Cassidy, aims to support underrepresented groups, particularly focusing on social mobility. Their report indicated many working-class individuals enter educational pathways but struggle to find jobs due to barriers like finance, location, and discrimination, with 59% feeling marginalized in their careers. This emphasizes the need for greater inclusivity in the gaming sector.
"I'm scared for the future of games," says Chris Goodyear. "It could end up going the way that theatre has, and become a very privileged thing."
Declan Cassidy mentioned finding a "really high number of people in working-class and low-income backgrounds coming through existing game educational pathways," yet many do not secure jobs.
The Into Games report highlighted barriers like location, access to finance, and lack of networks that hinder entry for lower socio-economic backgrounds, with 59% feeling "othered".
Will Luton expressed having to "mask" or "rework" his speech to avoid revealing his background, noting overt discrimination he experienced in the industry.
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