Dom Shaw

When we think of the gaming industry, we think of entertainment, creativity, and innovation. However, gaming is also a space where conversations about equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) are crucial. We had the pleasure of speaking with Dom Shaw, EDI Coordinator at UKIE (the trade association for the UK games industry) and long-time supporter of Lifelites, to discuss his journey, the power of gaming, and the impact of initiatives like Raise the Game.

Finding a Path in Gaming

Dom’s passion for gaming began at an early age with memories of riding jet skis on the Nintendo 64 and playing Pokémon Yellow on the Game Boy. But it was a chance encounter with the game Mass Effect that truly changed his career trajectory. After renting it from Blockbuster (remember them?!), Dom became completely immersed in the game, spending hundreds of hours exploring its universe. That love for storytelling and world-building later led him to discover that gaming wasn’t just a hobby—it could be a career.

Despite initially struggling in school, Dom found motivation through gaming. Learning about game development shifted his perspective, improving his academic performance and leading him through college and university, where he became the first in his family to graduate. His journey is a testament to the idea that games can inspire passion, learning, and career opportunities.

“One of my first endeavours into the wider gaming industry was actually through Lifelites! At the time, Lifelites was doing a joint course module with my university called Tangible Play. We learnt about how accessibility plays into game design and development.”

Breaking into the Industry

After university, Dom explored various roles, including event work, quality assurance and business development. His networking efforts and dedication eventually led him to UKIE, where he initially joined as an office manager. His deep understanding of EDI and advocacy work soon caught the attention of UKIE leadership, leading him to his current role focused entirely on diversity, inclusion and empowerment within the industry. These are all topics important to him being neurodivergent and part of the LGBTQ+ community, which has seen him face many challenges that he is proud to have overcome.

Raise the Game: A Commitment to Inclusion

Raise the Game is UKIE’s flagship EDI initiative, designed to help gaming companies build more inclusive workplaces and communities. Dom shared how the initiative started by supporting industry professionals in adapting to remote work and managing their mental health during lockdown. It has since evolved into a platform offering consultations, training, and resources for fostering diversity that Dom has led for the last 5 years.

One of its standout projects is Empower Up, developed in collaboration with Amiqus, which provides guidance and tools for studios to improve their EDI efforts. Dom also spearheaded the Festival Food Evening, an industry networking event designed to provide an alternative to alcohol-centric gatherings and create safer, more inclusive spaces.

“Me and Liz Prince [Business Manager at Amiqus] joined forces alongside others who support her with G Into Gaming and created Empower Up, which is a comprehensive platform for EDI guidance and resources. My favourite part of the platform is our event calendar, which I won’t stop shouting about, is the fact that there is clear and accessible information about UK and global EDI events on the web page and not just shoved away in a downloadable PDF makes me happy on so many levels!”

The Role of Gaming in Accessibility and Inclusion

Dom is a strong advocate for accessibility in gaming, emphasizing that it’s about enabling more people to experience the joy and connection games can bring. From features like customizable subtitles in Spider-Man 2 to adaptive controllers, accessibility innovations allow broader participation in gaming.

He also highlighted how organizations like Lifelites play a crucial role in ensuring that children with life-limiting conditions can experience the power of play through technology. Dom has been a supporter of Lifelites since his university days, recognising the charity’s incredible impact in empowering young players who might otherwise face barriers to gaming.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Inclusion in Games

While there are still challenges—such as resistance to EDI efforts in some spaces—Dom remains optimistic about the future. He believes that continuing to highlight the positive impact of diversity and accessibility in gaming will help drive change. As he puts it, “It’s not about preaching, it’s about showing and telling—demonstrating why inclusion makes gaming better for everyone.”

At Lifelites, we know that gaming is more than just an industry—it’s a community that has the power to inspire, connect, and uplift people. Through initiatives like Raise the Game and the ongoing work of advocates like Dom, gaming continues to grow its inclusivity and accessibility, very much representative of the diverse players who love it.

“EDI is all about people and culture. It’s about strategic priorities to keep empowering talent at the forefront, something Lifelites always does. All the work Lifelites does to uplift kids and provide technology for those that can’t play, that’s what empowers them and amplifies the positive energies.”

You too can play a part in supporting this life-changing work: learn more about Lifelites and the technology we provide to children who need it most and find out how you can support us. As Dom reminds us, small actions can create big impacts, and together, we can make the world of gaming more accessible for children with complex medical needs.