diversity | KitGuru https://www.kitguru.net KitGuru.net - Tech News | Hardware News | Hardware Reviews | IOS | Mobile | Gaming | Graphics Cards Thu, 22 Feb 2018 11:36:50 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.4.3 https://www.kitguru.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/cropped-KITGURU-Light-Background-SQUARE2-32x32.png diversity | KitGuru https://www.kitguru.net 32 32 Xbox Boss Phil Spencer talks the importance of diversity and stomping out toxicity https://www.kitguru.net/gaming/damien-cox/xbox-boss-phil-spencer-talks-the-importance-of-diversity-and-stomping-out-toxicity/ https://www.kitguru.net/gaming/damien-cox/xbox-boss-phil-spencer-talks-the-importance-of-diversity-and-stomping-out-toxicity/#respond Thu, 22 Feb 2018 11:36:50 +0000 https://www.kitguru.net/?p=364777 Head of Xbox Phil Spencer has been a key component in Microsoft’s reboot over the past couple of years, helping to redefine the console brand and bridge the gap towards the PC platform. Spencer has stated during the 2018 DICE Summit that an important part of this is addressing workforce diversity, which is “the bedrock …

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Head of Xbox Phil Spencer has been a key component in Microsoft’s reboot over the past couple of years, helping to redefine the console brand and bridge the gap towards the PC platform. Spencer has stated during the 2018 DICE Summit that an important part of this is addressing workforce diversity, which is “the bedrock of awesome gameplay” when balanced and is still a continuing battle.

“It was obvious that Microsoft needed a reboot,” Spencer said of the time Satya Nadella assumed the role of CEO in 2014 and the launch of the Xbox One stumbled. “Morale was at a low. We were all massively frustrated that we kept missing big trends. And in some ways, it felt like real innovation was impossible. And the in-fighting and fiefdoms were so famous, people made fun of it. Which would have been funny, if it hadn't been so true. So we hit refresh on everything, not just our communication but our entire culture.”

This has paved the way for games such as Life is Strange, What Remains of Edith Finch and The Last of Us, which Spencer cites as titles that make the user question the in-game world, comparing it to our own. “Every single time we upend a stereotype in a game, we beg the question, ‘Why can't it be like this in the real world?'”

“In order for us to do our best work, we need our work environment to function well. If the core mechanics of our own team and our own internal cultures are broken, everything stumbles,” he said. “The flipside is when the core mechanics of your own team work, and the team accomplishes great things. This is our aspiration … including all genders, all abilities and all ethnicities in all geographies.”

Unfortunately, Microsoft undid a lot of its own hard work in 2016 when it hosted a Game Developers Conference party, in which the company hired scantily clad dancers. The event gained an amount of infamy, something which has seemingly affected the company’s outlook internally.

“When we make mistakes, the easy way is to retreat or maybe even deny there’s a problem,” said Spencer. “Instead I think we have to be active learners, educate ourselves, read, understand other people’s views. If we are informed, we can lead with purpose. We must listen first instead of jumping in with the supposed answers. We need to ask the quietest person in the room what they are thinking.”

This extends beyond the workplace and breaches into the general online space in which people occupy.

“Toxic behaviour doesn’t just hurt the individual, it hurts our entire industry,” he said. “We have to ask ourselves, ‘Am I building worlds where all of us can thrive and achieve more?’ Culture can be the tool that enables us to realize the true potential and power of gaming. The time to get our culture right is right now. It’s our increasing responsibility to make gaming for everyone.”

KitGuru Says: There’s a chance that this is simply said for public relations purposes, but Spencer has brought about honest changes with his time at Microsoft and Xbox. I wouldn’t be surprised if there was a genuine want to enforce a more inclusive workplace for the benefit of the players. After all, the players are the company’s business.

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OcUK to the rescue at Multiplay i49 with repair/upgrade to your desk https://www.kitguru.net/channel/event/faith/ocuk-to-the-rescue-at-multiplay-i49-with-repairupgrade-to-your-desk/ https://www.kitguru.net/channel/event/faith/ocuk-to-the-rescue-at-multiplay-i49-with-repairupgrade-to-your-desk/#respond Sat, 24 Aug 2013 10:37:24 +0000 http://www.kitguru.net/?p=149238 Having bought a £92 ticket for Multiplay i49 and paid an additional £15 for early entry so you can sit with all your mates, the worst news you can receive is that your rig has suffered a fatal hardware issue in transit. Never fear, Overclockers are here – with an event repair and upgrade service …

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Having bought a £92 ticket for Multiplay i49 and paid an additional £15 for early entry so you can sit with all your mates, the worst news you can receive is that your rig has suffered a fatal hardware issue in transit. Never fear, Overclockers are here – with an event repair and upgrade service that's second to none. KitGuru documents the plight of a gamer called Chris. Spoiler alert: This drama has a happy ending! 

Overclockers.co.uk (OcUK) won't make a drama out of a Crysis (player's pain).

At Multiplay i49, a large part of the huge Overclockers stand is dedicated to repairs. They are also offering an ‘upgrade at your desk' service for those that need more power during the event.

They say that a picture is worth a thousand words, so here's the story of ‘Chris' and how the OcUK repair squad came to his rescue.

Diagnosis is the first stage in any cure - and OcUK's engineers are highly skilled in this area
Diagnosis is the first stage in any cure – and OcUK's engineers are highly skilled in this area

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although the failure was in  the graphics card, there's no doubt that dust and rough transit were contributing factors.
although the failure was in the graphics card, there's no doubt that dust and rough transit contributed.

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Because Chris is an existing OcUK customer, the repair can be done under warranty. All of the paperwork is taken care of by the engineer in direct contact with HQ
Because Chris is an existing OcUK customer, the replacement can be done under warranty. All of the paperwork is taken care of by the engineer in direct contact with HQ and a new card is in transit.

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Replacement graphics card is sorted, fitted and Chris (right) is a very happy clan-man.
Replacement graphics card is sorted, fitted and Chris (right) is a very happy clan-man.

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KitGuru says: We asked Chris to describe the service he received from Overclockers. his reply?  “Absolutely f***ing amazing. I'm so happy. They have saved my weekend, they really have”. See, we told you there was a happy ending.

Comment below, in the KitGuru forums or join us over at Facebook.

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Scan shows off a £60,000 gaming rig at Multiplay i49 https://www.kitguru.net/tech-news/highlights-new/faith/scan-shows-off-a-60000-gaming-rig-at-multiplay-i49/ https://www.kitguru.net/tech-news/highlights-new/faith/scan-shows-off-a-60000-gaming-rig-at-multiplay-i49/#comments Sat, 24 Aug 2013 09:54:16 +0000 http://www.kitguru.net/?p=149219 On Facebook, KitGuru's Carl encourages those with cool and unusual rigs to post photos and specs of their pride and joy. Every now and then, a major company will come to market with something a little bit special. Costing a little bit more than usual. This is one of those times. You can't turn around …

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On Facebook, KitGuru's Carl encourages those with cool and unusual rigs to post photos and specs of their pride and joy. Every now and then, a major company will come to market with something a little bit special. Costing a little bit more than usual. This is one of those times.

You can't turn around and measure the desirability of a £60,000 system using anything like a normal kind of scale.

In addition to a £2,500 ‘basic' water-cooled gaming rig, you're talking about 3 high definition projectors (at a paltry£800 each) and a special wrap around screen. That only accounts for the first third of the cash

Then you have the seat itself.

Straight away you can tell that this is not available as part of Ikea's standard line-up.

It's absolutely loaded with vibration systems, attitude controls and every kind of force-feedback you could possibly imagine.

Handily, the whole affair fits inside a standard van and you can monitor your driving skills using an Android phone.

Click thumbnail for real detail
Click thumbnail for real detail

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Samsung at the control. Android style.
Samsung at the control. Android style.

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KitGuru says: It's gonna make you cry ‘Want Want' – you just know it. The queues for a ride were serious – everyone wanted hands-on this rig.

Comment below, in the KitGuru forums or join us over at Facebook.

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Diversity is the name of the game at Multiplay i49 https://www.kitguru.net/channel/event/faith/diversity-is-the-name-of-the-game-at-multiplay-i49/ https://www.kitguru.net/channel/event/faith/diversity-is-the-name-of-the-game-at-multiplay-i49/#comments Sat, 24 Aug 2013 09:34:53 +0000 http://www.kitguru.net/?p=149200 Roll the clock back around 10 years and i19 at Newbury Racecourse was largely populated by teenage boys with camping equipment and Antec 900 chassis. At the Telford International Centre for i49 in 2013, the biggest surprise was the make up of the audience. KitGuru presents the photographic evidence that geeks exist in all shapes …

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Roll the clock back around 10 years and i19 at Newbury Racecourse was largely populated by teenage boys with camping equipment and Antec 900 chassis. At the Telford International Centre for i49 in 2013, the biggest surprise was the make up of the audience. KitGuru presents the photographic evidence that geeks exist in all shapes and sizes.

There will always be early adopters in every market.

But to really succeed, you need to open up and diversify your audience.

Alongside drawing the biggest crowds ever seen at a UK LAN gaming event, Multiplay also managed the greatest diversity seen at i49.

Here's the evidence.

Companies like GameTee offer cool fashion for cool  folks - and they were drawing a broad cross section of gamers looking for the visual edge
Companies like GameTee offer cool fashion for cool folks – and they were drawing a broad cross section of gamers looking for the visual edge. Hardcore gamers, friends and family – all drawn in by the designs

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Without any special timing, a photo of the OcUK stand results in the capture of multiple ladies
Without any special timing, a photo of the OcUK stand results in the capture of multiple ladies

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Down on the floor of the gaming arena itself, multiple teams now have female members and support
Down on the floor of the gaming arena itself, multiple teams now have female members and support

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Each year, Multiplay pulls in more and more people with its friendly blend of serious gaming and mindless fun
Each year, Multiplay pulls in more and more people with its friendly blend of serious gaming & mindless fun

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Industry statistics show that a vast number of ladies now game, we're hoping that events like i49 will encourage them to come right and compete with the boys head-2-head
Industry statistics show that a vast number of ladies now game, we're hoping that events like i49 will encourage them to come right and compete with the boys head-2-head

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Multiplay's warm-n-welcoming environment draws a broad cross section of enthusiasts
Multiplay's warm-n-welcoming environment draws a broad cross section of enthusiasts

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You're never too young to have a blast
You're never too young to have a blast

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KitGuru says: Very impressive. The future of gaming looks very healthy if Multiplay i49 is anything to go by.

Comment below, in the KitGuru forums or join us over at Facebook.

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