It's been one year since Sam and me started sending out this monthly newsletter, so first I want to thank you all for subscribing, reading and sharing these silly emails. This Checkpoint was supposed to be a celebration but there is simply no way that would be appropriate right now. Checkpoint has always been about sharing the work of brilliant people, so that is exactly what we're going to do in this one. Below you'll find writings that stuck with us and resources we found valuable. No games this month so maybe put some of that gaming budget towards making a donation! We've listed some organisation that could use your help but I encourage you to also research initiatives in your local area and support your community. If there is anything you want to talk about after reading you can reply to this email or reach out to Sam and me. Stay safe out there. — J
Mike Williams on the importance and lack of, black people in games journalism.
The tireless Dia Lacina on the industry's complete lack of black soundtrack composers, and the reasons behind it.
7 absolutely fantastic looking games made by black developers, that you can support today.
Two great twitter threads highlighting games by black creators, collated by Elaine Gómez and Theresa Duringer, plus a thread by the constantly fantastic Gita Jackson boosting black writers in games and tech.
And then theres this, an absolutely staggering bundle of 750+ independent games and resources put together by itch.io. For a minimum of $5 (but obviously you should pay more, if you can!), you get over $3,400 of paid works (including the phenomenal Minit, A Short Hike, Vignettes, Wide Ocean Big Jacket... it’s unbelievable...) with all proceeds split 50/50 between the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund and Community Bail Fund.
Friends At The Table, a fantastic actual play/table-top roleplaying podcast hosted by the infinitely inspiring Austin Walker, have a sale on to raise money for various causes working towards justice and equality. It’s also a great time to support the podcast on Patreon, and enjoy hundreds of hours of inimitable storytelling.
A Google Doc, filled with industry contacts, put together to help Black writers/content creators looking to get into the games industry.
A fantastic archive of black game developers/animators/designers/programmers/producers/copywriters/developers/composers/UI designers + more.
Here are some organisations and resources that are definitely worth following; include c++, BAME in Games, Black Game Developers, Black Girl Gamers, POC In Play, Spawn On Me Podcast, Level Up Link Up, The Optional Podcast.
More Ways To Help.
Thanks for reading this month! I hope you’re doing okay. I know things are tough, and it might be tempting to ignore what’s going on outside and around you, put some headphones on and escape into some nice comfortable video game worlds. But, to our white readers, it’s time to stay angry (if you aren’t already you need to open your fuckin heart), to sit with what’s going on, to educate yourself and talk to people around you, especially the folks (your folks) that you know get uncomfortable about race or anything anti-government or anti-police. We’ve got to try.
Protest if you are able to, donate if and what you can, share links and words and real news on whatever platforms you have, read/listen/learn, support black creators, and keep doing that. Even after things “die down” on social media or the news, because black lives ALWAYS matter, not just when a hashtag is trending. We all have too many years of complacency and ignorance to make up for. — S