How to Launch the Video Game Industry in an Inclusive Way
It’s a brave new world out there. And it’s smacking everyone as hard as possible. In this article we will talk about one of the most prevalent industries today – video games. Video games are booming across the world and are becoming more common than ever before with new titles being released every single day. However, this boom isn’t without its problems. Video games have a reputation for being male-dominated, exclusionary, and quite frankly gross sometimes (though that might be just us). However, there is still hope! Any gamer can launch their own video game company today with the right amount of research and planning. So, let’s talk about how to launch an inclusive video game industry in an inclusive way!
What is an Inclusive Launch?
Simply put, an inclusive launch means that you want to make your company an open, welcoming place for all people. This does not mean that you want to sacrifice your vision for profits. The best companies still make money, but they are first and foremost about the people working in them — their employees, their customers, their partners, and their community. Caring for others is a core tenet of business, but it’s also at the heart of great companies and brands. Brands that are truly inclusive are ones where everyone inside the company feels welcome, valued, and included in the decisions that affect their work and their lives. Sadly, this is not the case in most video game companies. With the industry being so new and still finding its footing, it is incredibly hard to create a company culture that is inclusive. But this does not mean that it cannot be done.
Research
It’s important to conduct thorough research on the current state of the video game industry and the types of people who enjoy video games. While you want to create a product that speaks to everyone, it’s also important to know who you’re speaking to. The best way to get a good idea of what types of people enjoy video games is by speaking to people who love video games. This can be done through social media platforms such as Facebook and Twitter. Posting questions and comments on platforms such as Reddit and Quora can also be helpful. Meet-ups are another great way to meet like-minded people who may be able to help you with your research.
Plan
Once you’ve completed your research and know who you’re creating your product for, you can start planning your launch. A launch plan will help you stay on track and keep your goals in mind. - Find a funding source - Lots of companies are pivoting as they’re launching. By having a funding source to lean on, you can keep your company afloat while pivoting it to a direction that’s more appealing to investors. - Build a team - Team members are the most important part of any launch. Be sure to hire people who fit your company culture and are able to work on their specific department. - Build a product - Keep your product simple. Too many features in a video game can make it confusing for new players. - Create a marketing plan - With millions of gamers streaming their gaming sessions, there is a large market of gamers who may be interested in your product.
Hire People Who Belong in Your Company Culture
Gamers are some of the most open-minded, accepting people in the world. And with so many people out there who don’t even have the slightest idea of what video games are, it’s important to hire people who are members of your company culture. To ensure that you hire people who fit into your company culture, you can conduct a few different things. - Conduct reference checks - Try to speak to previous interviewees and make sure that they are one of your company’s core values. - Conduct on-campus interviews - Make sure to meet with potential employees and make sure that they fit into your culture. - Hire a diverse group of people - Getting a diverse group of people on your team will open up your company to a wider group of people and help you stay on track.
Build a Strong Team of Part-Timers and Full-Timers
When hiring part-timers and full-timers, make sure that they are able to work part-time and full-time. Part-timers are able to work a set number of hours each week on a set schedule with a set amount of pay. Full-timers can work every single hour that they want to work, 24/7. By having both part-timers and full-timers on your team, you can keep your company running smoothly while also being able to provide benefits to your employees.
Find a Mentor to Guide You Through This Crazy Process
Launching a company is a pretty risky and scary thing to do. Wouldn’t it be nice if you had a mentor who could guide you through this process and help you with your launch? By finding a mentor to guide you through your launch, you’re essentially giving yourself a safety net. This way, you don’t have to worry about doing everything by yourself.
Conclusion
Launching a video game business doesn’t have to be dominated by male stereotypes and toxic behavior. Companies can create business cultures that are welcoming and supportive for all people. With the right amount of research, planning, and execution, you can launch an inclusive video game company.