Our mission is to amplify the creative power held by people of color in games.
We do this by organizing revolutionary events, uniting our vibrant community, and building access to knowledge, funding, and opportunities.
Creators of color make great games but are often pushed to the margins. We fight to create a better games industry that is intersectional and equitable.
About Game Devs of Color, Inc.
Our Story
As our community grew, so did our impact and partnerships. In 2019, we reached a significant milestone by offering our first grant, the Humble Bundle Game Creator of Color award. Our first award winner, Ethan Redd, received $15,000 to develop a Humble Original game. Since then, we've proudly raised over $400,000 to support game developers of color.
When the COVID-19 pandemic emerged, we successfully pivoted to an online-only format. This transition has demonstrated our resilience and adaptability, and it has led to doubled attendance numbers and increased engagement each year. Our mission transcends physical boundaries.
What We Do
- Host the annual Game Devs of Color Expo, featuring innovative games from diverse creators
- Showcase innovative games from diverse creators in the GDoCExpo Direct and GDoCExpo Steam Sale
- Provide scholarships and grants to support emerging developers
- Maintain a job board connecting talented developers with industry opportunities
- Foster a supportive community through networking events and resources
Our Partners
Join Our Mission
Whether you're a developer, industry professional, or gaming enthusiast, there are many ways to support our mission. Join us in building a more inclusive and vibrant gaming industry for everyone.
Originally founded by Catt Small and Chris Algoo in 2016, the Game Devs of Color Expo took shape when the two young game developers set out to pioneer a new market for showcasing games made by game creators of color. The first event, a games showcase with roundtable discussions, received rave reviews from attendees. Some even drove to New York City from out of state! Attendees asked when there would be another event, so Catt and Chris decided to pull in a larger team and host the second event at the Schomburg Center.
The Game Devs of Color Expo continued in-person events for several years. Each year, attendance and partnerships with major organizations grew. We have had the honor of working with major gaming companies including Xbox, Nintendo, Niantic, Oculus, and Amazon Gaming.
In 2019, we offered our first grant to a game developer of color in the form of the Humble Bundle Game Creator of Color award. Ethan Redd, our first grant winner, received $15,000 to build a Humble Original game. To date, we have granted hundreds of thousands of dollars in funding to game developers of color.
Since 2020, the event has shifted to online-only. We’ve since doubled our attendance numbers and have increased engagement each year. We are now embarking on our latest journey! Help us make it possible.
Sponsor our next eventDirectors
Contributors
Support our mission
Game Devs of Color is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Individuals can make tax-deductible donations via Givebutter or monthly memberships on Ko-fi.
Memberships help us provide grants, produce events, and offer valuable programming for our community. Thank you to our Ko-fi members:
Jaiden, Gamerpacs, Kirsten-Lee Naidoo, Think Ten Media Group, Kenney, MagzThaWriter
Corporate donation matching is possible through Benevity.
Want to get more involved? We accept sponsorship from organizations and institutions of all sizes!