Partnering with Jagex

British-based video game developer and publisher, Jagex, believes in building diverse and inclusive gaming communities that are respectful and welcoming to all, so that their players can escape the stresses and strains of the real world. With this in mind, Blueprint for All were delighted to be chosen as their charitable partner for diversity and inclusion, who will support our work for the next two years.

We recently caught up with Director of Player Experience & Head of Jagex Charitable Giving, Kelvin Plomer, to discuss what led Jagex to Blueprint for All and the benefits this partnership brings their organisation and employees.

In so many ways we are proactive, future-looking, and ahead of the game; we want to achieve the same in the diversity of our employees as well.
Kelvin Plomer, Jagex

What attracted Jagex to supporting Blueprint for All?

As with many organisations, the 2020 Black Lives Matter global protests gave us cause to reflect. Whilst we have a strong employee-led Diversity group, we know there is a lot more we can do within our studio to improve diversity and inclusion. In parallel to a fundamental review of Studio D&I, we want to use our established fundraising potential, as well as our skills to make a difference in this vital area, as we have done in the field of mental health awareness over the last 4 years.  Blueprint for All seemed a perfect charity partner to meet all of these aims.

Why is an ongoing relationship with Blueprint for All so important to Jagex?

We are aware that the video games industry can struggle to attract employees from diverse ethnic heritage. In so many ways we are proactive, future-looking, and ahead of the game; we want to achieve the same in the diversity of our employees as well.

The partnership will reinforce the studio focus on Diversity & Inclusion and give us a terrific opportunity to learn and move forward
Kelvin Polmer, Jagex

How has Jagex chosen to support us?

We are looking at an in-game fundraising event later in 2021, as well as ways that we can use our employee skills in marketing, social media, graphical asset creation, video production, and much more, to assist Blueprint for All in your work.

What sort of effect do you think partnering with Blueprint for All will have on your staff, stakeholders, customers?

The partnership will reinforce the studio focus on Diversity & Inclusion and give us a terrific opportunity to learn and move forward. On stakeholders and customers (or in our case, players), we will be putting our time and money where our mouth is, openly supporting your aims and work and reinforcing the key message of opportunity for all, and inclusion.

Jagex has been supporting Blueprint for All since 2020, commencing their support by raising an incredible £66,000. Raising the bar once again, 2021 will see Jagex commit to an £80,0000 fundraising and awareness campaign, utilising their industry-leading living games to draw in consumers to share in our vision of leveling the playing field in the UK.

Become a corporate partner

For more information on Corporate Partnerships with Blueprint for All, please contact Meghan Wimlett at mwimlett@blueprintforall.org

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