Same But Different Consultancy’s Post

As we reflect on the work we did in 2023 and the impact we have on DEI, we are honored to continue to provide space for BIPOC communities to hold space in the gaming and Esports industries.   Last year, we hosted numerous series of our event, “The Cxnnect”, a virtual workshop series to give insight on different career pathways within innovation and technology.   In March 2023, we had "The Women's Cxnnect", a week-long virtual conference highlighting women who are trailblazing in innovation and technology. We had panels with women at companies like @riotgames @TheGameHERS, and @activisionblizzard that gave words of wisdom to our audience about overcoming challenges and breaking glass ceilings within STEAM fields. Their words of encouragement were so impactful, and we express our highest form of gratitude for being apart and sharing their experience.   In October 2023, Cxmmunity hosted “The Cxnnect”: A virtual workshop series geared towards collegiate students, with amazing Rioters ready to give insight on the different career pathways within gaming, Esports, and DEI. Topics ranged from music in gaming to player dynamics within game design, and concluded with gamifying Esports tournaments!   As we conclude our "Why DEI" series during Black History Month, we want to remind our Cxmmunity that DEI isn't just a month; it's all year round. "In The Cxmmunity" is dedicated to continuing to engage, inspire, and aspire BIPOC communities and building a bigger table for everyone. #DEI #InTheCxmmunity #Cxmmunity #BlackHistoryMonth#NonProfit #EsportsReadinessProgram #ERP

It's happening - Impact CEE - 🗓 May 16 - Stage 8, 14:40 CEST 🔔 Yes, this is the conference where both Michelle Obama and Sanna Marin are also the speakers 🙃 ‘Gaming for Everyone - True or False?’ together with Jerzy Holub Tadeusz Zielinski and Arek Szulczynski we will be discussing current trends and market opportunities for non-endemic and endemic brands in the gaming industry. I am already looking forward to sharing our insights from the panel! #impact24 #impactCEE #womeningames #womenempowerment #brandsingaming

Enhancing Inclusivity Through Fantasy and Prediction Games Discover how fantasy and prediction games foster inclusivity in sports. Learn how these games break down physical, cultural, and age barriers, empowering diverse communities to engage with sports in meaningful ways. Learn more - https://lnkd.in/d8bx8dtt

Did you know almost 15% of Chicago is WITHOUT access to internet? Or how about the fact that over 50% of gamers identify as women but only 5% of pro players are women?! 🤯 Can't wait to talk about these discrepancies and their solutions in Chicago next month at Esports Trade Association's Esports Next conference! I'll be on the Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility in esports panel June 9th with Mallorie Sanders, Rebecca L. and Christian Taylor - come hang and learn all about what's next in the esports space. 🗒: https://lnkd.in/gvZbYYty

It’s not GG until it’s #GGForALL. Congratulations to our ESL Impact's Charlie Sirc and Dagny Veinberg, Minerva's Maria Laura Scuri, and DreamHack and FACEIT Ltd teams, winners of the Fast Company World-Changing Ideas Awards 2024, which honour people and organisations that dedicate their lives to making the world more accessible, equitable, and sustainable for everyone. Nearly half of gamers identify as women, and EFG is committed to creating safe spaces to compete, watch, and win. #GGFORALL is integrating inclusivity across EFG’s platforms to inspire greater equity in the industry. Since its inception, #GGFORALL has facilitated a broader global conversation about representation in esports communities, and since then competitors worldwide, from game publishers to tournament organizers, have made efforts to duplicate the program’s success. EFG has continued to innovate and adapt #GGFORALL to build a world where everyone has the right to compete at the highest level, celebrate fandom, and find welcoming spaces – no matter what game they’re playing or platform they’re on. From its landmark women-only global Counter-Strike league, ESL Impact, to supporting underrepresented communities during its DreamHack festivals, to first-of-its-kind AI technology, Minerva, to promote positive play, #GGFORALL has gone from a vision to an industry-defining initiative. While there is more work to do, the impact of #GGFORALL can be felt throughout EFG’s addressable audience of 300+ million gamers, which in 2023 has more diversity, fewer issues with toxicity, and offers more opportunities for minority groups than ever before. #ggforall #esports #gaming #representation #equity #eslimpact #minerva #ai #faceit #awardwinner #awards https://lnkd.in/e4cGFhyX

As someone deeply committed to digital inclusion and the transformative potential of technology, my journey has been shaped by my extensive experience in gaming, esports, and sustainability. Through my virtual ethnography at the University of Portsmouth and my work with IFB Gaming and initiatives like Empowering Futures, I have witnessed firsthand how gaming can serve as a powerful tool for engagement and education. By harnessing the skills developed in these environments, we can pave the way for a more inclusive and connected society. #EmpoweringFutures https://lnkd.in/et8-jjnh

As a big supporter of women in gaming, I love to see it getting the mainstream coverage it deserves ♥️ Both Sky News and BBC covered the Red Bull Instalock tournament that our team (G2 Gozen) won. Another trophy in the cabinet 🔥 But it's not just about the trophy. It's about showing what is possible. Getting visibility. I might have already told you this story, but a few months ago, I was watching LEC with my daughter. And just as the teams started to play, she asked me: "daddy, can girls play as well? Or is it only for boys?" And it was like a slap. Watching esports for the past twelve years, I just got used to it. You might say - there are no physical attributes holding girls back. They can compete with guys anytime they want. Which is true, but there is an asterisk to it. 🟢Representation and visibility🟢 As you can see from my example, many girls are not even aware that competitive gaming is something they can do. They have no role models. Or rather they didn't have in the past. So when boys can grow up wanting to play like Caps or Faker, girls can now grow up wanting to play like Mimi. Our Valorant star that you can see in this clip. What coverage like this brings to the table will have incredible impact down the road. And I'm glad to see G2 Esports on the forefront of this change. It also brings an almost untapped market for brands to engage with. I'm really excited for the future. When do you think we will see the first mixed teams in top tier tournaments?

Why are brands investing in gaming? According to Charles Hambro, it’s all about attention. More specifically, it’s about the attention economy and how virtual worlds allow brands to connect with Gen Z in a more engaging way than traditional social media. It’s been a great few days for the team at Advertising Week, with not one but two full houses for Charles as well as Megan Cheong. If you’re there, make sure to reach out to Alex Holder, Conor McNamara, or Charles himself. Otherwise, we’ll see you again next year! #AWEurope2024

🚀 Celebrating Women in Esports! 🌟 The landscape of competitive gaming is evolving with women leading the charge! Discover the inspiring stories of trailblazers like Sasha "Scarlett" Hostyn and Katherine "Mystik" Gunn, and learn how grassroots movements, corporate support, and educational programs are breaking down barriers. 🎮✨ From Twitch streamers to professional gamers, women are making their mark in esports. Ready to join the revolution? 💪💜 Read more #WomenInEsports #GamingForEveryone #Esports #Inclusion #DiversityInGaming Check out my blog post https://wix.to/DHIqcKP #newblogpost

Gamers, I need your help! 🎮 There is a topic that keeps me up at night — mixed-gender esports teams. What's the deal with it? I know many of you are involved in esports, and I'd love to hear your thoughts. 🏆 Are mixed-gender teams forbidden? Are there rules that prevent them? Tournament organizers, esports team managers, talent coaches — what's your take? 👾 And to my fellow gamers, what do you think? Why don't we see mixed-gender teams at major public events? Is there an unbreakable belief that games aren't for women? Or is it a question of abilities? Let's start this conversation! I can’t wait to hear your opinion and investigate this question more! 🔍