The Game Awards' Future Class initiative, touted as a platform for promoting diversity and inclusivity in the gaming industry, has come to an abrupt end. The programme, launched in 2020 with great fanfare, aimed to highlight the work of emerging talent from underrepresented communities. However, its success was short-lived, and many participants feel that their efforts were ultimately wasted.
Future Class inductees claim that they were "effectively props" at the Game Awards ceremony, forced to attend but largely ignored by the event's hosts and organizers. Dianna Lora, a game producer who was part of the inaugural class, describes being treated like a sideshow attraction: "Once we got to the Game Awards (most people flew in from other countries, which was expensive), we showed up, and it felt like we were pushed to the side door… We found out later that Keighley had a party in another room with all the influencers and industry people. You know where Future Class met that day? At a Starbucks."
The programme's demise has been attributed to internal advocacy efforts by its participants, who called for improvements such as more female presenters, improved accessibility options, and greater recognition of the industry's growing layoffs crisis. These demands were ignored, leading some inductees to express frustration and disappointment.
Emma Kidwell, a writer and 2023 inductee, laments that her classmates' efforts were not enough: "As a result of advocating for ourselves... we were punished for doing the same thing that they ostensibly celebrated us for." Natalie Checo, another inductee, echoes this sentiment: "Not only are they discontinuing the programme, but they've also eliminated any way for us to claim the honour that they provided."
The lack of support from organizers has left many participants feeling marginalized and ignored. For example, Future Class member Jes Negrón expresses skepticism about the programme's true intentions: "Don't gather some of the most brilliant activists in the industry, treat us like crap, and then expect us to do nothing about it."
Despite the failure of Future Class, its legacy lives on through the community it fostered among underrepresented game developers. Elaine Gómez, founder of Midnight Hour, notes that the "camaraderie and community that was created" by bringing together nearly 200 creatives from diverse backgrounds is the most enduring aspect of the programme.
The incident highlights the challenges faced by initiatives aimed at promoting diversity and inclusivity in the gaming industry. As one participant wryly observes: "Marginalised people need accolades because it pushes them to at least be on the same starting level that you or I might have."
Future Class inductees claim that they were "effectively props" at the Game Awards ceremony, forced to attend but largely ignored by the event's hosts and organizers. Dianna Lora, a game producer who was part of the inaugural class, describes being treated like a sideshow attraction: "Once we got to the Game Awards (most people flew in from other countries, which was expensive), we showed up, and it felt like we were pushed to the side door… We found out later that Keighley had a party in another room with all the influencers and industry people. You know where Future Class met that day? At a Starbucks."
The programme's demise has been attributed to internal advocacy efforts by its participants, who called for improvements such as more female presenters, improved accessibility options, and greater recognition of the industry's growing layoffs crisis. These demands were ignored, leading some inductees to express frustration and disappointment.
Emma Kidwell, a writer and 2023 inductee, laments that her classmates' efforts were not enough: "As a result of advocating for ourselves... we were punished for doing the same thing that they ostensibly celebrated us for." Natalie Checo, another inductee, echoes this sentiment: "Not only are they discontinuing the programme, but they've also eliminated any way for us to claim the honour that they provided."
The lack of support from organizers has left many participants feeling marginalized and ignored. For example, Future Class member Jes Negrón expresses skepticism about the programme's true intentions: "Don't gather some of the most brilliant activists in the industry, treat us like crap, and then expect us to do nothing about it."
Despite the failure of Future Class, its legacy lives on through the community it fostered among underrepresented game developers. Elaine Gómez, founder of Midnight Hour, notes that the "camaraderie and community that was created" by bringing together nearly 200 creatives from diverse backgrounds is the most enduring aspect of the programme.
The incident highlights the challenges faced by initiatives aimed at promoting diversity and inclusivity in the gaming industry. As one participant wryly observes: "Marginalised people need accolades because it pushes them to at least be on the same starting level that you or I might have."
! THEY LAUNCH IT WITH ALL THE FANFARE, BUT ENDS UP BEING MORE OF A PUBLICITY STUNT THAN A REAL PROGRAM. I MEAN, WHO TREATS EMERGING TALENT FROM UNDERREPRESENTED COMMUNITIES LIKE THEY'RE JUST props AT AN EVENT? 
IT'S ALL ABOUT THE INFLUENCERS AND INDUSTRY PEOPLE HAVING PARTIES, WHILE THE ACTUAL CREATIVE TYPES ARE LEFT TO DEAL WITH THE REAL ISSUES. 
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. And don't even get me started on the party with all the influencers... it's clear they didn't want to share the spotlight. 
. These participants weren't just complaining for the sake of complainin', they were tryin' to make a real difference and get some respect. So when did "respect" become a luxury they couldn't afford? It's all too convenient, if you ask me... 
. And can you even blame them for wanting some real recognition after everything they went through? 
I mean, 200 creatives from diverse backgrounds is no joke, but if they're not gonna give 'em a decent chance then what's the point of having all that talent around? 
It just goes to show that inclusivity is one thing, but actually supporting those initiatives is another story altogether 
they were all about promisin diversity and inclusivity but turns out it was just a bunch of lip service 
and now its done 
i mean these people were tryna make a change but their voices weren't bein heard 
and instead of gettin the recognition they deserved they were treated like props at the actual awards show 
so i guess thats somethin 
but seriously who do we gotta blame here? 
theres still room for growth and improvement, even if Future Class didnt quite live up to its promises. maybe we'll see new initiatives come along that do better at representing underrepresented voices? 
. it feels like a bunch of empty words and gestures without any real impact