Intervention for Inclusivity: Gender Politics and Indie Game Development

Authors

  • Stephanie J Fisher York University
  • Alison Harvey York/Ryerson Universities

Abstract

In this paper, we investigate the relationship between the indie identity, independence as a rhetoric, principles of interventionist work, and different models for creating a more inclusive industry. Through clashing understandings of the needs of aspiring game developers indie culture can serve to reify dominant narratives of the mainstream industry, including discourses that hinder female participation therein. However, there are successful models in which we can observe other, more inclusive, modes of welcoming previously marginalized and excluded groups, which can be taken up in other contexts for diversifying local indie game development.

Author Biographies

Stephanie J Fisher, York University

Prad student at York University. Research assistant for Jennifer Jenson and Suzanne DeCastell's EGG project.

Alison Harvey, York/Ryerson Universities

PhD Candidate, York/Ryerson Universities

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Published

2012-12-31