Letta J. On the importance of diversity in the gaming space – essence

Whether we know it or not, the games we play can have a big impact on us. In other words, the characters we meet along the way should look much like us. Jaye “Letta J” Watts, an Afro-Latina gaming enthusiast, knows exactly how vital diversity is in the gaming space, having began playing video games at the age of 4. Her first years of gaming showed her a niche in diversity in the gaming world that needed to be filled – sparking a fireplace in Letta that sparked change.

The gaming space is understood for being predominantly male-dominated. Women are likely to be over-sexualized and fewer considered when creating these platforms. Advocacy in space is one of many steps needed to extend the inclusion of women in the industry and gaming. Watts says: “The gaming industry has always been about being inclusive and fun. However, this inclusion was never promoted to make women feel socially accepted. “I think the industry has been missing an expansion of what Coexist looks like.”

Watts took the need for diversity and inclusion into her own hands by becoming founder and CEO The Game House coexists. This subscription-based platform provides an inclusive ecosystem for community, culture, connection and opportunity. Watts says: “I started by changing the way we (as gamers) navigate the real world, which can be further enhanced through digital representation. Additionally, our development marketplace highlights experiences that are inherently empowering for women of color.” Watts believes that the solution to the representation problem is to create characters that represent real women.

“Before representation can be made, we must first understand how necessary it is to have people who must be represented.” For a long time, Black and brown women have lacked representation in video games and the industry. This didn’t all the time make women feel protected, seen and revered.

Fortunately, organizations like Black Girl Players by Jay-Ann Lopez and Coexists Game House are fighting for change for Black and Brown women. Regardless, they strive for greater opportunity and social inclusion. In addition, the Black Girl Gamers organization has ensured the online safety of 10,000 women.

“I believe that Black and brown communities have long attracted the attention of the gaming industry because playing games was a safe way to exist in a virtual world while escaping the real world where life was much less enjoyable,” Watts says.

According to this testVideo games have been proven to assist relieve stress and may increase productivity in the future. This also includes environmental stress which will occur in our each day lives. The test mentions: “Playing video games can be an escape from problematic situations in everyday life, not the source of them.” It could enable women to create a virtual reality outside of their on a regular basis lives.

In addition to diversity, Watts can be a champion of access. Giving access to how we appear in video games, the characters we elect, or access to more opportunities in the industry can have a big impact on the industry. “I encourage women to learn the gaming industry, find their space in it, not be afraid to be wildly creative and never fit into any box. And if you don’t have to do it yourself. We are never outnumbered – we are just better organized.”