Angry Birds maker Rovio unveils guide for inclusive game design
29.11.2023 - 14:32
/ venturebeat.com
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Rovio has reached billions of players through games and movies based on its Angry Birds franchise. And now it is taking a stand for inclusivity in game design with its a diversity-focused playbook for the industry so that it can reach even more.
The mobile gaming pioneer unveiled its comprehensive Playbook for Inclusive Game Development and Marketing at its flagship event, RovioCon. This playbook marks a milestone in the gaming industry by sharing the learnings of Rovio’s approach to creating more inclusive games.
Sharing insights and expertise amassed over years of game development, the Helsinki-based gaming giant acknowledged the profound impact of games on shaping societal perceptions, even in casual gaming. In a bid for transparency and to foster diversity, equity, and inclusion, Rovio introduced its playbook, aiming to ignite industry-wide conversations and reflections on inclusive game design.
Heini Kaihu, Rovio’s chief sustainability officer, emphasized the pivotal role of the gaming industry in defining norms and fostering acceptance.
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”We in the games industry have enormous power and responsibility in defining what is normal and what is acceptable. There are no simple hacks or shortcuts to building diverse and inclusive games, it all starts with building diverse and inclusive game companies,” said Kaihu.
The Playbook takes a deep dive into critical facets of crafting inclusive games, offering actionable insights and concrete strategies. It addresses pivotal themes such as non-binary characters, game accessibility, inclusive narratives, and the eradication of harmful stereotypes in gaming. Developed internally by collating best practices from Rovio employees, it stands as a testament to the company’s commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive gaming landscape.
“While we are proud to share our accumulated learnings from creating one of the most beloved game franchises globally, this playbook represents just the initial phase in our journey toward truly inclusive game development,” said Kaihu.
Rovio seeks to engage core audiences and stakeholders in furthering diversity and inclusivity in gaming by evolving the playbook in the future. The Playbook, available for free download, serves as a comprehensive resource for industry professionals striving to create games catering to a diverse audience.
The company’s shares are listed on the main list of Nasdaq Helsinki stock exchange under the