Joining us today is Ryan Johnson to talk about inclusion, minority representation, HBCUs and brands collaborations, and the multiple opportunities for underrepresented communities in the esports and gaming industry. 

As the Founder and CEO of Cxmmunity, Ryan focuses on increasing minority representation in esports through STEAM development. Cxmmunity successfully established solid partnerships with Verizon, Twitch, Microsoft, Discover, and The House of Hoops, to name some of them. 

In this episode, Ryan talks about his upbringing, his relationship with video games, and his parents’ influence that encouraged and inspired him to get involved in solving social issues. We also discuss traditional industries, sports, and media, what esports can learn from them, and the ones to improve. 

Ryan shares valuable advice for students and schools about a practical approach to the industry and advice for parents of gamer kids. In addition, we talk about minority representation in every aspect of gaming, from pro players to game development.

Resources:

Visit the Cxmmunity website: https://www.cxmmunity.co/.

Follow them on all social media platforms:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cxmmunity.co/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cxmmunity/

Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/cxmmunityco

Twitter: https://twitter.com/cxmmunity

Discord: https://discord.com/invite/qYfEurn9ty

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Cxmmunity/?modal=admin_todo_tour

Connect with Ryan on social media:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-johnson-249497aa/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/ryanranitup

This episode is sponsored by Ice Shaker! Grab your own custom DLC Drop Ice Shaker at: https://www.IceShaker.com/DLCDrop

And make sure you use the code DLCDrop to save 20% off ALL Ice Shaker Products.

Full Episode Breakdown:

1:39 – Ryan talks about Cxmmunity’s mission and their work to help minorities connect and participate in the gaming and esports industry.

4:51 – John and Ryan talk about the industry’s several opportunities and the low representation of Black people in game development.

7:39 – Ryan shares a bit about his background, upbringing, and relationship with video games as a kid.

9:14 – Ryan talks about the moment he realized underrepresentation in gaming and esports was an issue and decided to do something about it. 

15:45 – John and Ryan describe the unique landscape of the industry in Georgia and all the opportunities it offers. 

19:13 – John and Ryan talk about the industry’s inclusiveness.

25:13 – Ryan talks about Cxmmunity’s goal of creating sustainable environments on campus that can support students that want to join the space.

32:25 – Ryan shares some advice for students who want to join the industry but are unsure about how to do it.

39:15 – Ryan describes her experiences growing up and not seeing too many people that look like him in leadership positions in the industry. 

43:07 – John and Ryan reflect on the gaming and esports industry’s tendency to face and fix the issues that pop up.

46:07 – Ryan shares his thoughts on brand strategy and brand guidance on how to engage with the skeptical gaming community. 

51:24 – John and Ryan discuss the roots of the industry’s skepticism and what brands can do to reverse it.