Comment ... a good thing (Score 1) 43
I generally don't reply to these threads because they often degenerate into rantings, but for the sake of clarity I have to say <sound-bite> diversity is important because it is American. It is one of the single-most defining characteristic of what this nation is about: different cultures coming together for the pursuit of happiness. I know it's a cliche, but it's true, I'm a game developer in New York City and I see it every day. </sound-bite>
But seriously, what diversity gives you is a difference of opinion. You have a larger creative pool to pull your ideas from. Different backgrounds. Experiences. Let's say there were more Blacks in the industry, perhaps there would be less blackploitive games out there like GTA, 187 Ride or Die, Saint's Row, etc. Maybe there might be more. Who knows? At least there would be some authensity and respect for the culture (check out 187 Ride or Die if you don't believe me).
As to the numbers, it's not the college that's the problem. I went to a historically Black college and a career in Video Games was never on the table. That was a long time ago, 1996, and you couldn't even find books on Game Development. Now B&N has a whole section. Go figure. The whole point is that there is a whole chunk of the population that never considered VG as a career. I only did it because I grew up on M.U.L.E, Seven City of Gold, Adventure... but I'm crazy.
Secondly, college is an inventment. Parent expect results. Historically, Black families expect their college graduates to be doctors, lawyers, business majors. Careers that's going generate money. Making games for a living? That 60k is a lie. And you do a ton of hours. Truckloads. Honestly game development is more art than science. And it reflects in the salary.
But it's getting better, I'll seen more people of color in this industry in the last few years, so we'll see. So yeah... diversity is a good thing.
But seriously, what diversity gives you is a difference of opinion. You have a larger creative pool to pull your ideas from. Different backgrounds. Experiences. Let's say there were more Blacks in the industry, perhaps there would be less blackploitive games out there like GTA, 187 Ride or Die, Saint's Row, etc. Maybe there might be more. Who knows? At least there would be some authensity and respect for the culture (check out 187 Ride or Die if you don't believe me).
As to the numbers, it's not the college that's the problem. I went to a historically Black college and a career in Video Games was never on the table. That was a long time ago, 1996, and you couldn't even find books on Game Development. Now B&N has a whole section. Go figure. The whole point is that there is a whole chunk of the population that never considered VG as a career. I only did it because I grew up on M.U.L.E, Seven City of Gold, Adventure... but I'm crazy.
Secondly, college is an inventment. Parent expect results. Historically, Black families expect their college graduates to be doctors, lawyers, business majors. Careers that's going generate money. Making games for a living? That 60k is a lie. And you do a ton of hours. Truckloads. Honestly game development is more art than science. And it reflects in the salary.
But it's getting better, I'll seen more people of color in this industry in the last few years, so we'll see. So yeah... diversity is a good thing.
