Humble Announces $1 Million for Black Developers

There is a strong discrepancy in the gaming industry for black developers and their games that receive funding from publishers. It’s illogical to say that someone’s skin color dictates their ability or talent for making games. Like other manifestations of racially driven discrimination and silencing, there’s no explanation for it. Yet, black developers fail to be given the platform to share their work. Because of this, Humble is announcing $1 million in funding for publishing the work of black game developers.

Humble’s statement reads: “We stand in solidarity to condemn racism and violence against the Black community. Humble believes in empowering and uniting communities through gaming and will leverage our platform to help achieve racial equality everywhere.”

The call also suggested donations to the NAACP Legal Defense Fund or Race Forward alongside the support of local and regional organizations. We find ourselves in a moment where moves like this make a large statement. As Kieran covered this week, silence on black issues in gaming harms the overall movement towards decisive action against racial injustice. It’s crucial that we in the gaming industry highlight those who lift up black developers, gamers, and industry professionals, while also doing what we can do combat harmful norms.

It’s great to see the gaming community advocate for #BlackLivesMatter, but social media posts and articles only go so far. It’s great to see a company like Humble take a direct initiative with economic and organizational efforts to this level. Hopefully, they won’t be the last! As we continue into June and Pride Month as well as continue dialogues on Black Americans and the systematic injustices forced upon and against them, Phenixx Gaming will do its part to help fight oppressive structures and systems.