Games [4Diversity] Showcase 2025 – A Celebration of Playful Perspectives

On 20 March 2025, Games [4Diversity] hosted its very first official showcase during the Game Developers Conference (GDC) in San Francisco. The event brought together developers from across the world who are creating games from underrepresented perspectives—and proved just how valuable and inspiring that can be.

The showcase highlighted how developing from an underrepresented viewpoint often leads to creative, artistic, intimate, and emotional experiences. Games that surprise not just with their message, but also with their humor, originality, and craft.

The event took place in 200 Channels, a nightclub hidden behind a pawnshop storefront. To get in, visitors had to convince the “shopkeeper” that they belonged – by being a developer, having a fascination with games, or just knowing how games work. After that playful entrance, guests passed through a busy restaurant, down a narrow corridor, and arrived in the heart of the showcase.

Ten developers presented their work to a diverse, enthusiastic crowd. One of the showcasers was Songs of Travel by Causa Creations, an animated graphic novel exploring the stories of five migrants seeking new beginnings in Europe. Based on real experiences and co-created with Syrian artist Jack Gutmann, the game reflects the studio’s mission to tell stories that often go unheard.

From wheelchair kart racing and magical girls to interactive storytelling and joyful dance protests, the range at the GDC showcase was wide – and every project added something unique to the night.

The Games [4Diversity] GDC Showcase Line-up

The full line-up included:

1001 Nights – Outwit a ChatGPT king with stories in this feminist reimagining of Arabian Nights, created by women of colour working with AI on their own terms.

All Systems Dance – Expressive rhythm battles tackling body dysmorphia and automation, by inclusive Canadian studio Mighty Yell.

Detective Dotson – A colourful detective comedy set in modern India, created to challenge stereotypical portrayals and celebrate local culture.

As Long As You’re Here – A heartfelt narrative game seen through the eyes of a woman with Alzheimer’s, developed by a small, international team.

Kernel Hearts – A magical girl roguelike with co-op gameplay and a diverse cast, developed in Argentina with accessibility at its core.

SOPA – Tale of the Stolen Potato – A Latin American adventure built on magical realism, where a simple task leads to unexpected wonder.

Songs of Travel – An animated graphic novel exploring the stories of five migrants seeking new beginnings in Europe.

Wheely Late – A joyful and chaotic wheelchair racing game made by developers with lived experience of disability.

Spirits of Heartwood – A cosy two-player co-op about rebuilding a magical village, by a studio committed to mentorship and inclusion.

Criss Cross Castle – A word puzzle game with neurodiverse-friendly features, from a woman-led studio with BIPOC and LGBTQ+ leadership.

A Warm and Connected Evening

The atmosphere was warm, welcoming, and intimate. Developers who didn’t know each other beforehand found common ground. It was a gathering where much was shared, not only through the games but through the people who made them. For us, it was a true highlight of GDC. The evening showed how powerful and beautiful it can be to connect developers from underrepresented backgrounds – and how much this contributes to a more open and creative industry.

We want to sincerely thank Michael Anthony Levitt, who made the night possible. The showcase was organised entirely by volunteers. Guests paid $10 for entry, which included a drink and helped us meet the venue’s bar guarantee. Michael opened the doors of 200 Channels to us and gave his full support. Thank you, Michael. Also a big thank you to Borys B. Trienin for taking the wonderful pictures!

And thank you to everyone who joined, played, showcased. We can’t wait to do it again.