| Details | Learn about diversity in the gaming industry from Tanya DePass, founder of the non-profit organization I Need Diverse Games, who presents a keynote talk that explores the theme of SAAM Arcade 2019, “breaking barriers.” DePass explains how video games fit into unconventional spaces such as art museums, and expands upon how programs like SAAM Arcade serve as a critical aid to promote this idea. She also discusses how her organization seeks to highlight projects and research by marginalized groups within the gaming industry, and talks about her past and current work that encourages a more diverse gaming environment. DePass is the editor of the anthology Game Devs & Others: Tales from the Margins, a collection of essays that tell true stories of life in the industry by people of color, LGBTQ+ and other marginalized identities. She founded the podcast Fresh Out of Tokens that analyzes gaming culture through as a person of color, cis woman and queerness. She serves as diversity and programming liaison for GaymerX and OrcaCon, and often speaks on issues of feminism, race, and diversity. ASL interpretation will be available during this program. SAAM Arcade is made possible with generous support from Annette L. Nazareth and Roger W. Ferguson, Jr., Director’s Circle members, and the Smithsonian American Women's History Initiative. In-kind support provided by Intel. Media sponsorship provided by the Washington City Paper. |
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