Episode 2: Dr. Jakin Vela on worker empowerment in making positive changes

Jul 16, 2024

Transcript

Welcome to episode 2 of Changing Gamedev Life!

Summary

In this episode, Dr. Jakin Vela, the executive director of the IGDA (the International Game Developers Association), shares his journey from being a sociologist to working in the game industry and becoming an executive director. Dr. Vela also discusses the challenges and lack of progress in increasing diversity in the industry and the emergence of new markets in Latin America, Africa, and Asia. He emphasizes the importance of worker empowerment and unionization in making positive changes. We also delve into how the IGDA balances serving the interests of both large and small game studios and individual developers. For aspiring game developers, it's important to be prepared for the challenges and uncertainties of a career in game development.

Key takeaways from this episode:

The game industry is seeing the emergence of new markets and developers in regions such as Latin America, Africa, and Asia.
Despite conversations about diversity, there has been little change in the demographics of game developers, particularly in North America.
Worker empowerment and unionization are important for making positive changes in the industry.
Self-awareness, setting boundaries, and aligning personal values with organizational goals are important for navigating the industry.
It's important to be prepared for the challenges and uncertainties of a career in game development.

About Dr. Jakin Vela

Dr. Jakin Vela (he/him) is a sociologist and game developer interested in how minority stress, stigma, diversity, equity, inclusion, and belongingness exist and intersect across various technocultures. Jakin serves as the Executive Director of the International Game Developers Association (IGDA) where he leverages his diverse background to support and empower game developers around the world in achieving fulfilling and sustainable careers.

He also serves as CEO of Astral Interactive, a small indie studio focused on highlighting player empathy in gameplay. Jakin is an avid gamer, an amateur vegan cook and baker, a singer-songwriter, and leads an LGBTQIA+ guild in Final Fantasy XIV with his partner, Jordan.

Keywords

IGDA, game industry, diversity, equity, inclusion, global perspectives, worker empowerment, unionization, game development, player communities, self-awareness, personal values, organizational goals.

Changing Gamedev Life Podcast

At Changing Gamedev Life, we showcase the stories and experiences of those from inside the industry, with the aim of giving listeners a peek into the joys and challenges of work in games. Our guests come from a wide array of backgrounds and disciplines, and illustrate multiple pathways into gameswork. Their narratives include useful tips and advice for those who may be aiming for careers in games, and offer insight into the non-traditional ways they found fulfilling careers.

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