Sony puts its money where its mouth is with pioneering new schemes for Black gamers
Sony are introducing four partners to build a better structure for the next generation of Black voices in gaming and tech (Microsoft)
Announcing four new strategic partnerships, Sony is on a mission to provide more support and opportunities for the Black gaming communities.
Over the weekend, Sony Interactive Entertainment (SIE) made a major announcement that Black gaming and tech nerds couldn’t be happier about. Revealing all in their latest blog post, Sony is introducing Black Girls CODE, The Hidden Genius Project, Gameheads, and Black in Gaming, aiming to provide more opportunities for the next generation of Black voices in gaming and tech.
With each partner specialising in growth and striving to connect people in the Black community by increasing representative with the Black workforce and the gaming industry, each organisation brings something special to the table.
Black Girls CODE is aiming to address the racial and gender diversity in STEM – science, technology, engineering, and mathematics – by providing education for African American girls and young women of colour to step into the industry.
The Hidden Genius Project trains and mentors Black male youth in technology creation, entrepreneurship, and leadership skills to transform their lives and communities.
Gameheads uses video game design, development and DevOps to engage and train the youth of colour in the Bay Area for careers in the tech and gaming industries, while Black in Gaming (BIG) aims to cultivate a global community of diverse professionals by increasing the representation of Pan-African descent within the video game industry.
SIE, as part of their commitment to “drive long-term change to achieve social justice” committed $1 million (£723,000) back in June 2020 to invest in the long-term support of Black organisations that focus on economic empowerment, racial inequality, and educating.
In its announcement, SIE also explained: “Beyond supporting these four organisations, SIE continues to engage, support, and celebrate the Black community through our Black@PlayStation employee network – a community to empower employees and embrace diversity in an inclusive work environment.
“Our aim is to work with these partners to evoke long-lasting change by improving access to the tech and gaming industry and building a better structure for Black voices to be heard.”
