iGGi WiGGi
- Welcoming inclusive Games and Games inclusivity -
Introducing WiGGi
We are Welcoming inclusive Games and Games inclusivity (WiGGi). We strongly believe that working in video games, whether that be in an academic setting or in industry, should be an inclusive and friendly environment where underrepresented groups (ethnic or cultural minorities, minority genders, religious background etc) especially can thrive and be heard.
WiGGi holds the advocacy for these underrepresented groups in video games at the forefront of its agenda, making sure that events we plan, organisations we partner with and the topics we address are topical and engaging for people of a range of backgrounds.
Our members are staff and students working within the iGGi programme, which is an interdisciplinary team of researchers working in video games research. We hold meetings every Wednesday, as well as roundtable discussions we call ‘Firesides’ every so often to talk with a range of people about a given relevant topic. For example, one of our Firesides discussed ‘Video games for positive change’.
Get involved
We would love to partner with more organisations that share a similar goal, or invite in more video game researchers or industry to take part in our events. If you would like to know more or get involved in some way, please contact us via our email: .
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WiGGi’s Beach Break @ Develop:Brighton 2026
Despite a few unexpected hurdles, WiGGi’s Beach Break @ Develop:Brighton turned out to be a fantastic hour or so of sunshine and connection.
Though all 15 tickets were snapped up in advance, the event ran into a clash of mega-events: the England World Cup match kicked off that afternoon, and an unexpected shift in the Develop Awards timetable kept many attendees away.
Luckily, game researchers know how to adapt! A great group of iGGi PhD researchers took to the beach to play our planned beach ball icebreaker games, enjoying the fresh sea air and genuine laughs. We also had a couple of industry guests arrive during the event to join in on the fun.
In true WiGGi fashion, what could have been a washout turned into a warm, low-pressure space for iGGi members to unwind, connect, and celebrate community by the sea.
Parallel Paper Writing Event - May 2026
Our Parallel Paper Writing event brought together iGGi students across York and Queen Mary University of London for an afternoon of focused writing and collaborative working. Running simultaneously at both sites, the event provided dedicated time for members to make progress on papers, theses and other research outputs in a supportive environment.
Having now organised several of these events, Parallel Paper Writing has become a valued part of the WiGGi calendar. The sessions offer dedicated, distraction-free writing time while creating opportunities for members to encourage one another, share ideas and celebrate progress together.
Working alongside others can make even the most challenging writing tasks feel more manageable. By combining structured writing blocks with regular breaks, participants were able to stay motivated, connect with fellow researchers and build accountability in a relaxed and welcoming environment.
The event also provided an opportunity for students from different cohorts and institutions to meet, exchange experiences and support one another. While everyone was working on different projects, the shared goal of making progress created a collaborative atmosphere that reflects WiGGi's commitment to fostering an inclusive and supportive research community.
We're looking forward to continuing these sessions and welcoming even more people to write alongside us.
Fireside Chat on Video Games for Positive Change
Our most recent fireside discussed ‘Video games for positive change’. Our fireside chat on video games for social change was an engaging and thought-provoking discussion. We delved deeply into the representation of women in video games and explored how these portrayals impact our gaming experiences.
This focus sparked an exchange of diverse perspectives, highlighting how inclusive representation can shape and transform player engagement.
Each participant brought unique insights on how characters and narratives influence players’ connection to games and reflect broader social themes.
Through this dialogue, we gained a richer understanding of how thoughtfully crafted games can inspire change and foster empathy, creating a more inclusive gaming culture for everyone.