Addressing female and LGBT representation in gaming and technology

Like many other fields of entertainment, such as comic books and movies, the gaming industry has been making efforts to become more inclusive and have better representation of different types of people.

But what still needs to be done?

Roadhouse Interactive game director Kayla Kinnunen will give a talk at UBC, entitled "Representation in Gaming and Technology: The only winning move is to play", about where things are at in the gaming industry when it comes to diversity.

Kinnunen informed the Georgia Straight that she'll be discussing the representation of women and LGBTQ people in games. She'll also be speaking about harassment and sexism in gaming-related communities.

While she'll discuss what issues currently exist in the field, she'll also illustrate what is being done by citing some positive examples of progress.

What's more, she's also be touching upon virtual-reality technologies and the importance of representation in that area.

Kinnunen is a transgender woman who has 15 years of experience in game development, and who has contributed to game franchises such as FIFA, NHL, NBA, Need for Speed, SSX, James Bond, Madden, and Skate. She's currently leading virtual-reality and augmented-reality product development at Roadhouse Interactive. 

The lecture will be held on Wednesday (January 13) from noon to 1 p.m. at the Gender, Race, Sexuality, and Social Justice Jack Bell Building (2080 West Mall, UBC). Lunch will also be provided.

To RSVP and for more details, click here.