Geoff Keighley Addresses SGF Diversity Concerns

Geoff Keighley, the host and organizer of Summer Game Fest, has addressed the criticism surrounding the lack of diversity in the 2023 edition of the show. Responding to the concerns, Keighley stated his thoughts on the matter shortly after confirming that Summer Game Fest will be making a comeback in 2024.

Despite the multitude of exciting new trailers and the confirmation of a long-awaited fan theory through the Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty SGF demo, this year's event left some disappointed due to its perceived lack of diversity. The opening showcase specifically faced widespread backlash for not featuring any women on stage throughout its two-hour duration. This criticism was voiced by numerous fans and notable figures in the media, who took to the internet to express their concerns.

In a subsequent interview with CBC, Keighley addressed the criticism of Summer Game Fest's lack of representation, acknowledging it as a valid concern raised by the online community. However, he emphasized that the organizers always strive to present an accurate portrayal of the developers behind the showcased games. Although Keighley did not provide further details, it is important to note that the notion of an "authentic" game development team exclusively comprising men is incorrect. According to a 2021 survey conducted by the International Game Developers Association (IGDA), 30% of individuals in the game development industry are women, and an additional 8% identify as non-binary.

Moreover, recent insights from market research company Circana reveal that approximately half of all gamers in the United States in 2023 are women, regardless of whether they play on PCs, consoles, or mobile devices. The primary criticism directed at the 2023 Summer Game Fest stemmed from its failure to reflect the reality that modern games are created and enjoyed by a diverse group of people. Keighley expressed his belief that the SGF team generally prioritizes diversity and suggested that this year's event may have been an exception. He concluded by stating, "We are aware of the representation issues."

The June 8 SGF 2023 showcase initially intended to have one woman on stage, but British actress Melanie Liburd, who voices Saga Anderson in Alan Wake 2, couldn't attend due to scheduling conflicts. It is debatable whether this anecdote proves the organizers' awareness of the social responsibility to promote inclusivity that comes with the event's increasing popularity. However, the games showcased at SGF 2023 did have a significantly more diverse range of characters compared to the presenters on stage.

Source: CBC, IGDA (PDF)