This year Super Evil Megacorp proudly celebrates Pride. As a team in over 15 countries, we passionately believe in the importance of celebrating the differences that make us all so unique and special. We fiercely support LGBTQIA+ communities, their allies and the drive for equality and safe spaces within gaming. This year we have seen the rights of so many communities at threat. We raise the flag with PRIDE 🏳️🌈
As a studio, our games and output are a product of the fantastic diversity we have across our team. It is what powers and drives our games, and where our best ideas come from. So, to celebrate the month and add our voice to the many others who want to improve our connected world, we’ve asked some of our lovely team to share some thoughts and perspectives.
SEMC: What does Super Evil Megacorp do that helps you feel free to be yourself at work?
Angelle: Specifically our Pride-Flag channel is something important. I know that the people in there are 'safe people'. But the people I've met OUTSIDE of the channel, like coworkers I met in person at the SEMC-SoCal meetup, have been safe enough and accepting enough that I felt safe sharing that with them. I could tell by the interactions I've had with them that they are accepting of everyone, and were safe. I've been really amazed at the level of 'be whoever you are, just be cool to each other and help make cool games' I've seen here. 😀
SEMC: What can the gaming industry do to better support their LGBT members?
Meggin: The industry as a whole needs to improve on how it represents marginalized communities. More importantly, they need to include people from the communities when making their games, telling their stories, and designing their characters. Operating from a lens of experience and honesty is key.
SEMC: Can you share any examples from SEMC that are a source of pride for you?
Simone: I do remember particularly well, one message from an employee pointing out how we keep referring to our characters as "guy" or "girl", and I really appreciated his attempts to make that more gender agnostic by referring to the weapons they use instead. I also really like that one part in the employee's handbook that mentions "we treat others with kind consideration regardless of who they are, where they are from, or how they identify".
For us, it is important to celebrate our differences. Here at Super Evil Megacorp, we look after one another to ensure that a safe working environment for all of us means a safe working environment for each of us.