Game Dev
Fashion Week
A fun way to highlight diversity in the games industry!
26 February - 3 March 2024
How it all began
It all started a few years ago when we (game developers at Runaway Play) were talking about our mission to promote diversity in game development. We discussed the preconceptions (and often misconceptions) about “what a game developer looks like”...and this led to the idea of creating a Game Dev Fashion Week. The idea was simple - we would dress up, take photos and share them on social media to help challenge stereotypes.
Who can join in?
Any game developers can (and should!) join - whether you’re a game dev as your “day job” or if you’re making games as a hobby or entering the industry.
How do I join?
Take a photo any day during Game Dev Fashion Week (February 26 - March 3), and share it on any social media using the hashtag #gamedevfashion. You can pick a theme for each day or go with the flow and freestyle it.
Why should we join in?
We believe it’s important to “walk the talk” - Game Dev Fashion Week is one small (and fun) way that we highlight diversity in the games industry. Putting a spotlight on the diverse mix of people who are game developers can help others feel more comfortable and welcome - this is important in an industry with a lot of underrepresentation.
We’ve been really excited to see this grow, with game developers from around Aotearoa and around the world joining in! A few of the developers who have taken part in the past include the wonderful teams at Dino Polo Club and Wanderer, and the wonderful Tara B! Check out the hashtags #gamedevfashion and #walktherunaway to see everyone who's participated!
This year we are also supporting a charity - Dress for Success. Every time someone shares a #gamedevfashion photo and tags @RunawayPlay, we’ll donate to Dress for Success. Their mission is to empower women to achieve economic independence by providing a network of support, professional attire and the development tools to help women thrive in work and in life. You can join us in donating to them, here.
Who is Runaway?
Runaway is a mobile game developer and publisher based in Ōtepoti (Dunedin), Aotearoa (New Zealand). We build games inspired by the natural world, to promote kaitiakitanga (conservation) and māramatanga (awareness) of our natural environment.