Diversity and inclusion in the game development classroom : Creating a Game to Initiate Dialogue

Abstract: This study examines the possibility of creating a roleplaying game as a tool for starting conversation about diversity and inclusion in games, specifically for the Game Development programs at the University of Skövde. First it is examined why it is needed, how other games have been used for educational purposes, what to think about when creating spaces of dialogue, and what it is like to teach the topics in game education. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the testing of the game was limited. The project uses three different ways of evaluation; interviews with faculty members at the University, feedback on a design document and an online playtest. The results suggest that the game could potentially be used to gamify some aspects of dialogue about diversity and inclusion within the curriculums of the Game Development programs at the University of Skövde, as a compliment alongside pre-existing lectures and seminars.