BAME in Games network launched to promote UK industry diversity

This week sees the launch of the BAME (Black, Asian and Minority) in Games network, a new group aimed at promoting ethnic diversity and attracting new talent to the UK games industry.

Founded by David Smith, who also began the Women in Games group, the free network will actively reach out to help support existing minority employees and educate employers on the benefits of diversity, whilst also speaking at events to help promote the cause.

The UK industry's racial diversity, already much lower than the national average of ten per cent and London's 30 per cent, has actually dropped in the last year, sinking to just 4 per cent from 4.7. Group chair Kish Hirani says that there are any number of beneficial reasons to combat that lack of representation.

"Diversity brings so many advantages," said Hirani. "It makes creative sense. It makes business sense. And games creators can truly represent the diversity of those who play games. Help us build a network that makes the games industry a place that attracts talented people from all walks of life. We want everyone in games to join us in any capacity they feel comfortable, starting with simply joining our professional network on LinkedIn."

Hirani will be supported by two vice chairs: Tanya Laird of Digital Jam and Adam Campbell of Hopster.