In an innovative leap towards gender inclusivity within the gaming industry, the Erasmus+ project NuGamers Creative orientation activities for a more gender-inclusive gaming education is set to reshape vocational education and training (VET) for aspiring female game developers. The project, spearheaded by Changemaker Educations AB (Švedska) in collaboration with Sineglosssa (Italy), All Digital (Belgium), Kaakkois-Suomen Ammattikorkeakoulu Oy (Finland) and Algebra University (Croatia), addresses the stark gender imbalance in gaming by creating a comprehensive framework to foster a more inclusive environment.
Project Overview
NuGamers is a 24-month project starting from December 31, 2023, with a total budget of €250,000. It aims to innovate VET in the gaming sector by introducing gender-inclusive practices in orientation activities and curriculum design. The project involves key stakeholders including VET trainers, female students, and industry professionals from Sweden, Belgium, Finland, Italy, and Croatia.
Objectives
NuGamers is driven by three core objectives:
- Increase Awareness and Knowledge: To elevate the understanding of gender biases in gaming education among VET staff and female students.
- Enhance the Capacity of VET Staff: To equip educators with the skills needed to create and implement gender-inclusive curricula and orientation activities.
- Develop Gender-Inclusive Tools: To produce practical tools that can be used in educational settings to attract and retain female students in gaming-related courses.
Activities and Implementation
The project is structured into several key activities to achieve its objectives:
- Desk Analysis: This foundational activity will review current data and literature on gender inequality in the gaming industry and education. It aims to identify the main challenges, such as cyberbullying, and define the scope of gender biases.
- Focus Groups: Involving female students and developers, these groups will provide qualitative insights into the obstacles and motivators for women in gaming. This activity will help understand the nuanced reasons behind the low participation of women in the sector and raise awareness among participants.
- Production of the Factsheet: Based on the insights from the focus groups, a comprehensive factsheet on gender inequalities in gaming will be created. This document will highlight the main obstacles, and potential solutions, and provide recommendations for educational institutions and the gaming industry.
- Handbook Development: The creation of a handbook will offer VET staff guidelines on designing gender-inclusive curricula and orientation activities. This will be a collaborative effort, involving co-design workshops with educators and students to ensure the content is practical and effective.
- Toolkit Creation: The project will also develop a set of interactive tools, such as role-playing games, cards, and videos, to be used during orientation and training sessions. These tools aim to make the learning environment more engaging and inclusive for female students.
Expected Results and Impact
- Enhanced Gender Awareness: Increased knowledge among VET staff and students about gender biases and how to counteract them.
- Practical Educational Tools: Availability of a toolkit and handbook that provide practical solutions for creating gender-inclusive learning environments.
- Improved Participation Rates: A rise in the number of female students enrolling in gaming courses and considering careers in the gaming industry.
- Cross-Sectoral Collaboration: Strengthened connections between VET providers, higher education institutions, and the gaming industry to support gender inclusivity.
Long-term Benefits
The long-term vision of NuGamers is to establish a more balanced and inclusive gaming industry. By addressing gender biases at the educational level, the project aims to create a ripple effect that will lead to a more diverse workforce in the gaming sector. This inclusivity not only benefits women but also enhances creativity and innovation within the industry as a whole.
NuGamers is poised to make a significant impact on the gaming education landscape. By fostering gender inclusivity through research, practical tools, and collaborative efforts, the project sets a precedent for future initiatives aiming to create a more diverse and equitable gaming industry.
For more information about the project and its progress, visit the official NuGamers website, LinkedIn, X and TikTok and follow updates on the Erasmus+ project results platform.