13 must-see talks at Game Devs of Color Expo 2022

The Game Devs of Color Expo returns today, and there's many talks throughout the multi-day event to tune into.

Originally established by Catt Small and Chris Algoo in 2016, the expo is now on its seventh run. You can read more about the conference's beginnings in our interview with the founders here.

This year's talks range from perspectives on studio funding, unionization, and understanding music copyright. Below are just a few of the sessions you might want to consider watching.

You can find more details on each session, and the full program, right here.

Friday, September 16th

New Game+: Directing People, not Products

Shana Bryant

10:55 AM EST to 11:20 AM EST

This panel will discuss game development that focuses on staff and not projects, and present systems that don't place people outcomes against project outcomes.

I Don't Know What I'm Doing But I'm Doing a Lot

Marty Huerta, KO_OP

12:20 PM EST to 12:30 PM EST

When you don't come from a games background how do you make a path for yourself? This panel will explain that embracing your history and interests can help you find peace of mind for your business operations.

The State Of BIPOC VO In Gaming

Eli Harris, voice artist

1:25 PM EST to 1:50 PM EST

Harris' panel will provide a deep look on voice over work and a behind the scenes look on how much effort it takes for voices to match the visuals on screen.

Rendering Black Hair

Lauren Brown, Zynga; Danielle Udogaranya, Ebonix; Jeffrey Rousseau, GamesIndustry.biz

2:15 PM EST to 3:00 PM EST

Why is there a lack of authentic Black hair in games when it's so influential in other media? This talk will examine the good, bad, and ugly when it comes to rendering coily hair in games.

Unionization and Diversity in the Game Industry

Game Workers of Southern California

5:50 PM EST to 6:15 PM EST

With this discussion learn what labor unions are, their history, and what they mean for developers of color in their fight for inclusion and representation in games.

Saturday, September 17th

Characters Not Clichés

Ruel Pascual and Adam Hines; Night School Studio

10:15 AM EST to 10:40 EST

The panel will be examining world building based upon characters facing pivotal moments in their lives and within the larger world.

Dev Interview: Dot's Home

Rise-Home Stories Project and Weathered Sweater

12:40 PM EST to 1:05 PM EST

The creators of Dot's Home will be interviewed on how the title explores the systemic issues that affect racial marginalized people when it comes to housing.

Post Play Story Dynamics

Shawn Pierre, arts professor - NYU Game Center

3:00 PM EST to 3:25 PM EST

"What stories do I want players to tell each other when they're done?" This talk will explore how developers can influence how a title lives on after consumers are done playing them.

Black Narradevs: Exploring Relationships In A World of Our Own

Dani Dee, Split Fate Studios; Dani Lalonders, Veritable Joy Studios; owl, Jellyfish Parade; Gen Heyward, Skate & Date

3:25 PM EST to 4:10 PM EST

The developers will discuss their games and how they navigate themes such as existentialism, self-actualization, and evolving identity in worlds created by them and for them.

Mental Illness and Horror Games: Avoiding Stigma and Stereotype

Cam Perry, designer

4:30 PM EST to 4:55 PM EST

Horror media often utilizes poor representations of mental illness for narratives to appear darker, including video games. This talk will examine how avoid these stereotypes when writing horror.

Sunday, September 18th

Put Yourself In A Box? (Categorizing Your Game)

Son M., Perfect Garbage Studios

10:35 AM EST to 11:00 AM EST

This discussion will look at how categories and genres are used in pitching and marketing games to publishers and consumers. How do developers navigate those options?

Crowdfunding Real Talk: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly

Alex AK,creative director; Dani Lalonders, Veritable Joy Studios; Son M., Perfect Garbage Studios

12:05 PM EST to 12:50 PM EST

Although more game funding options are available, many marginalized creators rely on crowdfunding. The panelists will explain why they chose crowdfunding and how they reached their funding goals.

Maximizing OST Revenue: Leads and Composers This is for You!

Neha Patel, composer/sounder designer

2:55 PM EST to 3:20 PM EST

The panel will provide knowledge on how composers can maximize their revenue from soundtrack sales. It will examine marketing, mistakes, and obtaining passive revenue.

Disclosure: GamesIndustry.biz is a media partner for Game Devs of Color Expo 2022