An Exploratory Study on the participation of LGBTQIA+ people in the Global Game Jam 2021

Game Jams are game development marathons limited by time, usually lasting 48 hours. These events bring people together not only to make games in a short period of time but to connect beginners, amateurs and professionals. Although seen as a diverse environment, in Games – either as a technology culture or as a professional occupation – we can find prejudice and discrimination against LGBTQIA+. This paper is an exploratory study about diversity in game jams, specifically about the participation of LGBTQIA+ in some hubs at Global Game Jam 2021. We investigated the participation of LGBTQIA+ people at the Global Game Jam 2021, aiming to understand their perspectives and the potential challenges around any prejudice or discrimination they may face during the game jams. We combined quantitative and qualitative research methods. First, we used a survey to collect quantitative (closed-ended questions) and qualitative (open-ended questions) data. The second part consisted of online interviews with some of the respondents from the survey. After analyzing the collected data, we provided a set of recommendations for structure and organization, aiming at a more inclusive and welcoming environment to LGBTQIA+ participants, besides increasing the participation of this public. The recommendations are: Organize diversity-focused game jams and diversity-focused Global Game Jam hubs; make every participant aware of the code of conduct; foster collaboration over competition; introduce aspects that the LGBTQIA+ community can relate to; and promote learning activities.