GCG Feature: 'The Diversity Difference'

In the latest feature on Gamasutra sister site Game Career Guide, Art Institute of Vancouver-Burnaby Game Art & Design graduate Marco Pasqua offers a personal look at diversity in the game industry marketplace, with recent IGDA figures showing that just 13% of people with a disability are hired in the industry. In his introduction, Pasqua addresses both the personal and industry-wide issues: "Diversity is something we all strive to achieve. Whether in life, or the workplace, we all want to show that we have the skills or abilities that set us apart from being just another "face in the crowd." This is especially true in the game industry, where companies are constantly looking for new and innovative individuals to make a product that sets a new standard for what's to be expected in such a fast paced, growing market. But what if the very thing that makes you diverse could also prove to be your biggest obstacle to employment? This is something I know all too well. Being a recent graduate from the Art Institute of Vancouver, I know that to make it in such a competitive industry, you really have to prove that you have something that sets you apart from all other candidates after a position. The game industry being such a close knit community, the number of jobs available depends completely on when you apply. So, what does all of this have to do with diversity, you say? Well, not only do I have to prove myself as an aspiring game designer when looking for a job, but, I was also born with the disability Cerebral Palsy and primarily use a wheelchair to get around. " You can now read the full Game Career Guide feature for more on lessons the industry might learn (no registration required, please feel free to link to this column from external websites).