Dove Partners with Open Source Afro Hair Library to Promote Diversity in Gaming Through Realistic Hair Representation

In the quest for inclusivity and diversity within the virtual gaming world, the representation of Black gamers extends beyond the tone of an avatar's skin. A vital aspect of this embodiment comes in the form of hair representation, which has often been overlooked or inadequately portrayed in games. Addressing this need, Dove has joined forces with the Open Source Afro Hair Library to launch Code my Crown, an initiative aimed at enriching diversity with the creation of the first-ever free guide for coding textured hair and protective styles for characters in the gaming universe.

Gradual Progress in Virtual Diversity

The digital environment has slowly been recognizing the importance of representing a wide array of identities, and this collaboration signals a significant step forward. Though there have been improvements in racial diversity with character skin tones becoming more varied, subtler yet equally important features like hair texture have not received similar attention. Code my Crown is set to change that narrative, providing resources that will enable game developers to integrate authentic and diverse hair styles, thus reflecting a more accurate population diversity in their games.

Addressing the Textured Hair Gap

The Open Source Afro Hair Library is at the forefront of this movement, crafting a comprehensive guide that not only educates on how to code for textured hair but also provides the necessary assets free of charge. This incredible resource ensures that the beauty of Black hairstyles—such as braids, curls, and twists—is no longer absent or misrepresented in gaming avatars. It's a significant stride towards respectful and genuine representation, empowering Black gamers to see themselves fully reflected in their digital counterparts.

diversity, gaming, inclusion