Kelly Wallick is a Partner and Community Builder at 1Up Ventures, a venture capital fund supporting a diverse and inclusive community of independent game developers. She is also the Founder and CEO of Indie MEGABOOTH, a platform dedicated to promoting independent game developers at gaming expositions. Kelly has over 10 years of experience in the tech and video game industries. As a self-professed passionate believer in the impact of community in gaming, she’s sat on various boards, including Light Forge Games, advocating for creative, unique, and diverse voices. Kelly is also a former Chairperson of the Independent Games Festival, an event held at the Game Developers Conference (GDC), championing excellence in independent games.
For years, the video game industry has grappled with diversity, catering to an infinitesimal demographic and causing toxicity within the gaming community. As gaming studios and venture capitalists focused on diversity and inclusion emerge, could there be a shift in the industry?
Kelly Wallick, an industry community builder and VC, explains that changes in hiring practices have widely contributed to inclusivity. And with the increase of remote-first jobs since the pandemic, it’s easier for companies to recruit worldwide. The popularity of video games spans the globe, so it makes sense for characters to reflect this. VCs have also taken an interest in independent game developers with unique voices. Companies such as 1Up Ventures, led by a woman with decision-making power, advocate for underserved communities, such as people of color and individuals with physical and mental disabilities.
In this episode of the Here’s Waldo Podcast, Lizzie Mintus sits with Kelly Wallick, Partner and Community Builder at 1Up Ventures, to discuss the shift in the video game industry. Kelly discusses how gaming communities impact participants’ lives and careers, indie game development challenges and diversity, and creating healthy workplace cultures. She also reflects on her inspiration for founding Indie MEGABOOTH and partnering with 1Up.
