In this episode of The Talent Game, we hear from Emma Gomersall, Lead Talent Partner at Multiplayer Group (MPG) and member of their Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging Committee. Together, we explore practical steps companies can take to foster a diverse and inclusive culture in gaming, emphasising how even small actions can make a significant impact. Emma shares examples of both cost-effective and budgeted initiatives that help drive inclusion, like using gender decoders in job descriptions and establishing employee resource groups. The conversation underscores how MPG’s approach to diversity not only cultivates a more equitable environment but also supports higher productivity and profitability.

Takeaways

• Building a culture of diversity, inclusion, and belonging is essential in the gaming industry to drive innovation, creativity, and employee well-being.
• Simple and affordable initiatives, such as applying gender decoders in job descriptions and forming employee resource groups, can promote inclusivity.
• Data indicates that gaming companies with gender-diverse leadership are 21% more likely to see improved profitability and productivity compared to less diverse competitors.
• An inclusive culture significantly boosts employee retention, satisfaction, and productivity, ultimately benefiting the company’s financial performance.
• Diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging are increasingly valued by candidates, with 76% of job seekers prioritizing these factors when evaluating job offers.

In this episode, we hear from Ido Naim (currently Senior Director of Monetization at Zynga/Gram Games) and explore his strategies for building high-performing teams. Ido reflects on his time in the Israeli military and his transition into the gaming industry, drawing parallels between both fields. He highlights the need to balance data-driven decisions with creative vision in game development and underscores the value of continuous learning. Emphasising the importance of surrounding oneself with a diverse team united by shared values, Ido also advocates for openness and humility as essential qualities in the gaming industry. The episode wraps up with Ido's go-to interview question, aimed at uncovering a candidate’s critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.

Key Takeaways

• Balancing data with creativity is vital to innovative game development.
• A commitment to lifelong learning propels individual and team growth.
• High-performing teams are built with diverse individuals who share core values.
• Open-mindedness and humility foster effective collaboration and drive innovation.
• Critical thinking and problem-solving skills are fundamental for success in the gaming industry.

In this episode we hear from Kate Booth, COO of Cooperative Innovations, exploring her journey into the gaming industry, her insights on company culture and the role of a COO in game development. Kate shares her experiences with indie games, the importance of aligning business models with creative ambitions and her approach to hiring and team building. The discussion highlights the significance of transparency in business practices and the need for a supportive environment for creative professionals.

Key Takeaways

• The COO role varies greatly, with a focus on shaping culture through hiring and aligning business models with creative goals.
• Financial transparency and support are essential for trust and creativity in teams.
• Hiring is a mutual value exchange, where both company and employee contribute to a thriving culture.
• Teams thrive when they embrace the business side of gaming and celebrate individual successes, like a well-coordinated sports team.