Checkpoint are Changing the Narrative at PAX AUS

Australia’s biggest gaming convention, PAX Aus, is only a few days away. And I can’t think of a better way to celebrate than to reveal that Checkpoint are hosting a panel! That’s right, you heard me correctly, we are running a panel at PAX Australia. So If you’re heading to the expo this year then you’re going to want to join us as we discuss representation and diversity in gaming.

Changing the Narrative: Representation in Gaming tackles the tough issue of representation in gaming and why it’s important for people of colour (POC), women, and LGBTQIA+ gamers. We’ll look deeply into positive and negative representation and the psychological impact and implications of poor representation, giving our own thoughts and experiences on the topic. But it’s not all doom and gloom!

We are also going to discuss where we go from here. How do we improve the narrative? Where would we like to see developers take protagonists, antagonists and the representation of LGBT+ characters, POC and women in the future? We talk about ways to improve, how you can get into the field of games development as a female and ways you can keep the discussion going and make your voice heard by developers.

Our panel will be hosted by non other than the incredibly talented Luke Mitchell, creator and producer of Checkpoint. He will be doing his very best to keep us all on topic and make sure there’s plenty of time at the end for you to ask any questions you might have.

Meet our panellists!

Laura Crawford: An academic psychologist in the games degree at Swinburne University of Technology. Having spoken frequently at PAX, Melbourne International Games Week and internationally, we are extremely excited to have her join us.

DC McCormick: Has a Bachelor in Social Research and Policy with Honours and 2 Masters, has a special interest in socially marginalised identities and is a Queer Blerd Twitch streamer who can be found playing DnD when not streaming.

Jake Franklin: Is a Postgraduate Psychology student,  LGBT+ researcher and metal health advocate. He’s an avid gaymer and has appeared on radio and various diversity panels.

Rachel Humphreys: Is a writer and presenter for Checkpoint on JOY 94.9, she has a strong gaming background and has passion for online gaming as well as FPS, MMOs and RPGs. She has spoken on various panels and radio shows regarding gaming and pop culture.

For those interested in joining the Checkpoint team in the conversation, Changing the Narrative: Representation in Gaming will be held on the first day of PAX Aus which is Friday the 27th of October, at 7:30pm in the Kookaburra Theatre, located upstairs on level 2. Those who can’t attend can still join the conversation by leaving a question in the comments. It may end up becoming a discussion point on the night!

Also ensure you check out our Survival Guide for more important information on PAX AUS!