Designing Global Virtual Exchanges for Aspiring Diverse Developers in Online Spaces
summary
IGDA Foundation converts its canceled GDC scholarships into a two-month virtual exchange built in about three months, enrolling 60 grantees across 14 countries. Programming mixes asynchronous recordings and live panels (resume and pitch reviews, sound and narrative deep dives) plus a “mentor world” of randomized 20-minute breakout rooms for networking. Organizers wrestle with DMCA takedowns on owner-led behind-the-scenes sessions, find high volunteer willingness, and plan to scale the initiative toward a 200-person cohort next year.
AI-written summary · about
chapters (21)
- 0:00Intro
- 1:00Welcome
- 2:42Previous programs
- 4:34Cancellations
- 6:58What are we going to do
- 9:08Building the program
- 12:23What is the program
- 15:09How many people attended
- 17:00Mentor World
- 20:26Online vs inperson
- 26:23Biggest takeaways
- 30:58What makes diversity needs in the games industry different
- 35:28Benefits at larger tech companies
- 36:48Finding a better way to advocate
- 40:53Diversity is a hot topic
- 42:58Nonprofit advocacy
- 44:28Diversity equity inclusion
- 46:08Side hustle story
- 48:08How did you prepare for this well
- 51:48What does it mean to crush it
- 55:38Soft Giving
related talks
01h 09mIGDA Foundation Diverse Game Developer Fund - What You Need To Know
57mHiring and Retaining Diverse Leaders: The Next Generation of Games
42mDeliberate, Directed, Positive ACTION!
20mOpening Message
41mPanel Discussion: Open, friendly, and welcoming: on the... with Lacey Henschel
27mOutbreak Outreach - How COVID broke our program for the better
25mCreating a Community of Game Developer Women...
34mCollaborative Game Design for Social Benefit