Supporting an inclusive culture for game developers
What is GEM?
GEM, the Game Empowerment Movement, is a south Swedish games industry initiative created to empower the regional game development industry to become an equal and inclusive place where everyone’s voice will be heard.
Supporting and empowering female game developers in southern Sweden.
Supporting game studios in creating a more diverse and inclusive workplace.
Creating a space for developers with lived experience of being perceived and met as women.
Who is GEM?
GEM is initiated by a group of developers, academics, and game event experts, who care deeply about making the games industry a safe and welcoming place for everyone. It is run by Game Habitat, with support from Massive Entertainment – A Ubisoft Studio, The Game Assembly, Avalanche Studios Group, Sharkmob, IO Interactive, Tarsier, and King.
But, most importantly, GEM is also everyone in the industry working towards a more inclusive culture!
What does GEM do?
GEM runs events, talks, workshops, mentorship programs, and more. Much of what happens as part of GEM are initiated and hosted by studios in the region. Here are some examples of what GEM does:
Lectures with industry professionals for motivation and inspiration
Workshops and training to hone individual skills
Fun events to make new connections and socialize
Mentorship program to give or get support
GEM Week, an annual week highlighting diversity, equality, and inclusion in games
Many of GEM's events and activities are open to everyone, while some are limited to women working in or looking to work in games. By women, we mean anyone identifying as woman, trans woman, transitioning woman, and non-binary with the lived experience of being met and perceived as woman.
How do I get involved?
So glad you asked! GEM is all about community, and we can’t do that without, well… you! May it be as a volunteer, mentor, speaker, or any other kind of supporter – we’d love for more people to be part of GEM!
Want to collaborate?
We recognize that inclusion and diversity are multifaceted issues, and that safe spaces for all marginalized groups in the games industry is important. We are therefore a supporting ally to other organizations and initiatives that also work with these issues! We’re always open for input and collaborations on our mission to make our games community and industry equal, diverse and safe for everyone. Please reach out if you are an individual or an organization with ideas on how we can work together!
GEM visual brand identity by Talía Gual.