Warner Bros. Games has recently initiated a leadership program specifically designed for women and non-binary individuals, aiming to address the gender imbalance in the video game industry. This move comes in the wake of a $200 million loss from their latest game, Suicide Squad, which involved diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) consultants from Sweet Baby Inc. in its character development process.
The program, announced by the startup and tech community platform Built In, is called the Women and Non-Binary Leadership Program. It seeks to challenge the traditional male dominance in the gaming sector. According to the organization, the current gender ratio of male to female video game developers stands at approximately 70:30, highlighting a significant gap in representation.
The initiative has already kicked off with a cohort of 25 participants, including women and individuals who identify as non-binary, from Warner Bros. Games’ 11 global studios. The program aims to foster career development for those it identifies as underrepresented in the gaming field, promoting the idea that diverse perspectives are crucial for a more inclusive future in gaming.
Kelly Hill, the senior director of business development and licensing at Warner Bros. Games and a participant in the program, shared her insights.
“I already had a sense that it was important for me to show up and to be an example that people like me can and should have a seat at the table. The program reaffirmed my commitment to bringing more diversity into the industry and doing what I can to let people see an alternative to what they may picture as a games executive.”
The program also focuses on personal growth and community support among its members, encouraging self-reflection, candid conversations, and the creation of a safe space for sharing experiences.
However, not everyone views these initiatives positively. Mark Kern, a game designer, criticized the industry’s recent direction. “Game companies are starting to face the music for their poor decisions. Instead of listening to gamers, they decided to destroy beloved IPs with political messaging while delivering less quality gameplay, more bugs, and over-monetization.”
As Warner Bros. Games continues to navigate these challenges, the industry watches closely to see the impact of such diversity-focused programs on both the culture within gaming companies and their bottom lines.
