While E3 is usually full of trailers, reveals, demos and exciting reveals, Take-Two – the publishers of Grand Theft Auto – took a different approach.
To the surprise of many fans and media, the publisher used their keynote time to host a special panel on accountability, equality, and inclusion. Following an introduction from Take Two Communications VP Alan Lewis, the panel discussed various issues in the gaming community.
The panel featured prominent figures from across the gaming world alongside moderator Toni Ligons (Director: Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, 2K). Kari Toyama from Private Division, Gordon Bellamy from Gay Gaming Professionals, Nir Efrat from Take-Two, Laila Shabir from Girl’s Make Games, Vonnetta Ewing from Take-Two NY, Susanna Pollack from Games For Change, and Jim Huntley from USC Games were all part of the discussions.
While this was not what viewers would normally expect from an E3 presentation, the issues of diversity and representation have been at the forefront of gaming, with many companies being held accountable by fans in recent years. Viewers of the stream remained consistent, with over 100,000 people watching on Twitch by the panel’s conclusion.
Watch the discussions in full below.
Words by Megan Roxburgh
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