The Gaming World Could Soon See More Latino Representation
Latino Representation in Gaming Coalition wants more transparency and representation in games
U.S. Hispanics are avid video game players, outpacing the general market in usage, purchases, and technology adoption. There are about 43 million US Hispanic gamers playing almost an hour every day.
Gaming is a massive $187 billion global industry, drawing in big names like Netflix and Disney. Popular TV shows like Fallout and The Last of Us, both based on video games, have brought new attention and players to gaming.
This September, the Latino Representation in Gaming Coalition (LRGC) was launched, a collaboration between Hispanic advocacy groups and U.S. Rep. Joaquin Castro (D-Texas). Castro has been pushing for more Latino visibility in gaming, news, and Hollywood.
The coalition's goal is to open up more opportunities for Latinos in gaming, particularly in leadership roles. They also want to see more Latino characters and stories in games along with updated data on video game character diversity.
According to a survey by the International Game Developers Association about 72% of game developers identify as white, while only 7% are Hispanic or Latino. Hispanic adults make up 19% of U.S. gamers who play at least one hour per week, the second-largest group in the country. In 2009 a USC Annenberg study showed less than 3% of video game characters were Latino.
Cris Amaya, President of Latinx in Gaming, says the coalition brings hope especially after recent industry layoffs. Amaya points out that lack of funding and resources is a big challenge for Latinos in the gaming industry. Government support, Amaya says, gives the movement more weight and visibility.
The LRGC aims for “more transparency, greater representation in the industry and content, and an inclusive and welcoming environment for Latinos.” The founding members include Rep. Castro, the National Hispanic Media Coalition, the Hispanic Heritage Foundation, and other key Latino organizations.