Promoting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the Gaming and Esports Industries – logi BLOG


 

Here at Logitech G, we are always finding new ways to expand on our commitment to serving the needs of gamers and creators. We strive to always bring recognition, representation, and resources to historically marginalized and underrepresented people.

We’ve carried this same sentiment in our #Creators4BIPOC movement, which Streamlabs first initiated in 2020, and harnesses the creator community to work collectively to help address barriers disproportionately faced by BIPOC creators through a ten-year, $1 million minimum commitment. In its fifth year, Logitech has committed over $700,000 to organizations addressing racial inequality, including WeXL, Asian Mental Health Collective, Black Girls Smile, YR Media, and The JaQuel Knight Foundation.

This year, Logitech G and Streamlabs will be actively supporting and encouraging BIPOC creators and gamer’s participation in high school and collegiate esports to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion within the gaming and esports industry. 

As part of this year’s focus, we’re introducing the POWER UP Event by SugarGamers, Logitech G & Streamlabs: an activation on July 25 at the American Writers Museum in Chicago.

  • Where: American Writers Museum in Chicago; 180 North Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60601
  • What: Town hall-style discussions with gaming professionals, academics, prominent creators, and local Chicago community leaders on the importance of supporting, celebrating, and driving diversity and inclusion in gaming and streaming spaces. Join in on the fun for on-site gaming gear giveaways, customized gear, and opportunities to come together and celebrate #Creators4BIPOC through impactful learning and collaboration.
  • Who: Dr. Kishonna L Gray, Associate Professor of Writing, Rhetoric, & Digital Studies, and Africana Studies at the University of Kentucky, Faculty Associate at the Berkman-Klein Center at Harvard University; Kevin Fair, Tournament Organizer, Esports Expert, and CEO & Founder of I Play Games! (IPG), a nationwide leader in providing Esports & Video Gaming-related services.

In addition, Logitech G and Streamlabs will host a series of activations themed around the #Creators4BIPOC pillars: GIVE, LEARN, CELEBRATE, and PLAY.

GIVE: Logitech G will be donating $100,000 this summer through our donor advisory fund to the following organizations:

  • WeXL 
  • AnyKey 
  • Black Collegiate Gaming Association 
  • Latinx in Gaming

LEARN: POWER UP Event by SugarGamers, Logitech G & Streamlabs.

CELEBRATE: Logitech G community members can nominate their favorite up-and-coming esports players to receive a Logitech PRO Series setup upgrade. Tune in to Logitech G’s social media channels for additional information.

PLAY: Join in throughout July for Logitech G and Streamlabs’ Creator Spotlight Streams on Twitch to fundraise for our nonprofit partners:

  • WeXL
  • Latinx in Gaming
  • AnyKey
  • Black Collegiate Gaming Association (BCGA)

We’re honored to collaborate with Sugar Gamers, AnyKey, WeXL, and the Black Collegiate Gaming Association to honor the BIPOC gaming community and encourage inclusivity and community in this space.

“At Black Collegiate Gaming Association (BCGA), our mission is to create opportunities for black & young women of color in gaming, esports, and technology, ensuring they have the resources and support to thrive in these industries. We are excited to align with Logitech’s #Creators4BIPOC movement, which shares our commitment to diversity and inclusion. By working together, we can amplify voices, provide more opportunities, and drive meaningful change for BIPOC creators and gamers,” said Keshia Walker, Founder & Chairwoman of BCGA. “To ensure equity now and in the future, we must invest in inclusive programs, support mentorship opportunities, and promote equitable representation across all levels of the industry. Our partnership with the #Creators4BIPOC movement is a critical step towards achieving these goals.”

“We are excited about Logitech’s #Creators4BIPOC movement because it aligns with our goals of celebrating the diversity of the gaming community by amplifying those folks who are already doing great work in the space,” said Morgan Romine, PhD, Director of Initiatives, AnyKey. “BIPOC creators, players, and organizers have been influential in esports for as long as people have played video games competitively. When everyone can see BIPOC folks thriving, it encourages supportive and diverse community growth in those competitive spaces.”

“WeXL is committed to providing mentorships to BIPOC creators and youth so that they can apply their creativity and essential skills to guide the next generation,” said Arabella DeLucco, 

Founder and CEO at WeXL. We are grateful to partner with Logitech as we ensure the success of healthy creators. Our vision is to build an equitable world through a more compassionate, creative, and connected society.”

“Logitech’s #Creators4BIPOC movement and Latinx in Gaming align in their efforts to uplift and amplify underrepresented gaming communities. #Creators4BIPOC’s dedication to high school and collegiate esports gives these communities not only a platform to showcase their skills but also state-of-the-art Logitech G equipment to ensure that they’re best able to take advantage of the opportunities in front of them,” said Giovanni Benedicto, Digital Marketing Manager at Latinx in Gaming. “Latinx in Gaming strives to connect Latines in the gaming industry, from content creators to developers to esports competitors. With Logitech G’s help, we can unite and support Latine creators by providing a more even playing field for them to thrive.”

Tune in throughout July on the Logitech G and Streamlabs Twitch channels, and be sure to follow @LogitechG and @streamlabs across social media to get involved!

And as always, KEEP PLAYING!