specieschosen

Specieschosen is a recruitment program developed by the game development company ConcernedApe, the solo studio behind the critically acclaimed farming simulation game Stardew Valley. The initiative was announced in June 2020, with the primary goal of identifying and addressing concerns related to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) within the gaming industry, particularly in the context of ConcernedApe's own studio.

The program is designed to attract and support new game developers from diverse backgrounds, including those from underrepresented groups such as women, people of color, and individuals with disabilities. By doing so, Specieschosen aims to create a more inclusive and representative game development community.

ConcernedApe's creator, Eric Barone, stated that he launched Specieschosen to ensure that the people making games for ConcernedApe are a reflection of the diverse players enjoying their titles. The program includes several components, including a public call for applications, mentorship opportunities, and a promise to actively work towards building a more equitable workplace.

Specieschosen has already garnered attention and interest from the gaming community, with many developers and industry professionals expressing support for the initiative. The program's success will be closely monitored, and its impact will be assessed over time to determine whether it brings meaningful change to the gaming industry.

While Specieschosen is still a relatively new initiative, its potential to foster a more inclusive game development community is significant. By promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion, ConcernedApe's Specieschosen aims to make a positive impact on the gaming industry and set an example for other studios to follow.