In gaming, progress isn’t just sharper visuals, it’s about who gets to create and be seen in the worlds we play in. Across the UK and beyond, a new wave of talent is redefining what representation in gaming means.
Take Danielle “Ebonix” Udogaranya, who taught herself 3D modelling after realising her identity wasn’t reflected in The Sims. Her custom creations caught EA’s attention, leading to her collaboration on skin tones and afro hairstyles now used by millions. Then there’s game developer Adam Campbell and journalist Chella Ramanan, co-founders of People of Colour in Play, a collective opening pathways for Black talent across the games industry.
As Black History Month 2025 unfolds, we’re taking a look at how far the industry has come, but also how far there is still to go.
The Importance of Black History Month in the UK Gaming Industry
Despite being the UK’s largest entertainment industry, the UK gaming industry still faces a serious representation gap. According to Ukie’s UK Games Industry Census, just 10% of the workforce comes from ethnic minority backgrounds. Within that, Black professionals account for only around 2%. This has resulted in low representation both on screen and behind the scenes.
But behind today’s figures lies a longer history of creativity and resilience, and though rarely highlighted, Black pioneers have been part of gaming’s story from the very start…
A Look Back: Black Creators Who Paved the Way
Black game developers have been pushing boundaries for decades, laying the groundwork for a more imaginative and inclusive future in gaming.
1976: Jerry Lawson One of the few Black engineers in tech at the time, Lawson led the team behind the Fairchild Channel F, the first console with removable cartridges, a joystick, and a pause button.
1978: Ed Smith Co-designed the MP1000 and its expansion, The Imagination Machine, one of the first systems to combine gaming and personal computing in a single device.
1986: Muriel Tramis Considered the first Black female game designer, Tramis tackled themes of colonialism, and identity in titles like Freedom: Rebels in the Darkness and Urban Runner.
1988: Mike Pondsmith Founder of R. Talsorian Games and creator of the Cyberpunk series.
And these are just a few examples. Black creatives of then and now continue to shape how and why we love the games we play.
Black Characters in Video Games: From Background to Centre Stage
Representation in gaming has been a long fight for visibility. In the early days, Black characters in video games were rare, and often sidekicks or stereotypes.
Over time, that began to change. The 2000s saw breakthrough protagonists like Sergeant Avery Johnson in Halo and Lee Everett in Telltale’s The Walking Dead. More recently, characters like Miles Morales in Marvel’s Spider-Man, and Sojourn in Overwatch 2 have redefined what representation looks like in mainstream gaming.
As more players see themselves reflected on-screen, video game culture grows richer, more inclusive, and more imaginative.
Representation in Gaming: Why it Matters
It’s no surprise that what we see on our screens shapes who can imagine themselves being part of it. When young people of colour rarely see others who look like them working in the industry, gaming can start to feel like someone else’s world. That lack of visibility shapes who gets hired and the stories games tell, often circling the same characters and voices.
There’s a creative advantage in breaking that loop, and diversifying is key to how studios can unlock new ideas and untapped talent. Fresh perspectives bring new narratives, cutting through the industry’s over-reliance on familiar tropes and clichés. In a sector built on imagination, representation is no longer optional, it’s what keeps games relevant, dynamic, and ahead of the curve.
The Future of Gaming: Diversity as Creative Strength
The shift towards more inclusive gaming is changing how studios create, market, and hire, but continued advocacy is essential. In the UK, initiatives such as Ukie’s #RaiseTheGame pledge and Limit Break’s mentorship programme are connecting underrepresented talent with industry networks.
But progress isn’t going to become automatic. To sustain it, creators must combine technical skill with cultural insight, and designers understand diversity isn’t an aesthetic but a foundation for richer storytelling and world-building.
That’s where creative education plays a role: providing students with the technical skills to design games, engage directly with the systems behind them, and imagine new ones.
Shaping Tomorrow’s Gaming Culture
Representation in gaming isn’t just about who’s visible, it’s about who’s shaping video game culture and the stories we all share. The progress made by Black creators past and present shows how creativity can open new worlds, both on-screen and off. As new voices continue to enter the industry, the future of gaming will depend on imagination, inclusion, and the courage to build something none of us have played before.
At LCCA, we believe creative education is the starting point for industry change. Our gaming courses, including Computer Games Art & Design, are built around real projects, collaboration, and the latest industry insights, helping you develop the technical skills, cultural awareness, and creative confidence to shape what’s next in gaming.
FAQs
What is Black History Month? Black History Month is an annual celebration of the achievements, culture, and contributions of Black communities across the UK and beyond.
Why is Black History Month important in the gaming industry? Because representation in gaming influences who joins the industry and what stories are told. It’s a moment to reflect on progress and highlight paths forward for underrepresented creators.
Who are some key Black figures in gaming history? Pioneers like Jerry Lawson, Muriel Tramis, Ed Smith, and Mike Pondsmith all helped shape modern gaming through innovation, design, and storytelling.
How can students or aspiring creators get involved? Explore creative education routes like game design, digital media, or interactive storytelling. Building technical skills and creative confidence is the first step toward changing the industry from within.