Cinzia Musio is a Diversity & Inclusion Advisor at London-based video games studio, Splash Damage (Dirty Bomb, Gears 5, Gears Tactics, Halo: MCC, Outcasters) where she drives the D&I strategy, including changes in business processes to ensure they are as inclusive as possible, as well as considering diversity at all levels of the studio. Alongside this, Cinzia also runs Unconscious Bias workshops for both the studio and the industry, and helps run Employee Resource Groups.
This year has seen us face crises like no other. COVID alone would have made one of the most difficult years in our industry’s history, but with ongoing allegations of abuse, harassment and exploitation, coupled with the awful images that sparked the powerful Black Lives Matter movement, it has shown how we need to start working with Diversity and Inclusion (D&I) at the forefront of our internal policies and hiring. Cinzia will walk you through the journey she took transforming Splash Damage's studio culture to become more diverse and inclusive: From Employee Resource Groups, Talks organised in the studio and even the staff Halloween Party! You'll learn the little steps required not only to get buy-in at all levels, but to make D&I a vital part of your studio's day to day. You'll leave this session with knowledge on how to adapt this within your own studios and ways to make your underrepresented employees feel even more welcome and included.
Takeaway:
I really like Develop, I really like the intimacy of it and I love the location.. there’s a good diversity of talks going on so there hasn’t been a time when there’s nothing I want to see.
Brenda Romero
Romero Games
Develop always gets put in the diary. There are many reasons to be here, not just the talks, but the networking, people exchanging ideas about where the industry is right now and where it’s going to. It’s pretty essential to be here I think.
Ian Livingstone, CBE
Develop is a very important place – it’s one of the few developer focussed conferences we have in Europe and that makes it very valuable.
Rami Ismail
Vlambeer
Develop is important – the networking is very important. And go to talks they’re inspiring and get your creative juices flowing, they can make you think and you’ll learn how other people do things.
Jason Kingsley
Rebellion
Develop:Brighton is especially unique - it’s by the seaside and there’s a lovely relaxed tone that goes with that.The talks are cool, the networking is cool and having the opportunity to catch up with people – that’s always the excitement for me!
Sean Murray
Hello Games
A lot of the opportunities that come from being here are speaking to other developers who are doing exactly the same thing as you. And there are some good parties – it’s very much a pleasurable work experience!
Gemma Foster
Dlala Studios
By coming to Develop what you get is the opportunity to network like you can’t in any other situation. Everyone knows everyone and it’s such a wonderful community feel.
Jessica Saunders
Salix Games
Develop is an excellent way of catching up with people – there’s a really nice community feel here.
Mike Bithell
Mike Bithell Games
Develop:Brighton’s a great conference. It’s got a spread of people from all parts of the games industry talking about such a wide range of topics.
David Amor
Mag Interactive
Develop is a really great way to network, it’s also great for going to talks and finding that little tip that you didn’t know before and thinking – oh I’ll bring that back to the team!
Leanne Loombe
Riot Games
There are many ways you can be part of Develop:Brighton - including taking a booth in the Expo or choosing one of the many sponsorship opporunities during the event or at the Star Awards.
Contact us now!