Throughout June and July, we celebrated Pride and Disability Pride together as One Scopely. While we show our Pride year-round, these months give us space to spotlight the voices, stories, and resilience of the LGBTQIA+ and disability communities, and the allies who stand proudly beside them.
Thanks to the dedicated efforts of our Pride @ Scopely and Diverse-Abilities @ Scopely Employee Resource Groups (ERGs), along with the passionate volunteers around the globe, our Scopeleans participated in a range of powerful events to honor identity, elevate diverse voices, and champion a more inclusive future.
At Scopely, we believe that the stories we tell, the games we build, and the culture we nurture are at their best when they reflect the full diversity of our global team. Pride and Disability Pride are more than just calendar events. They are opportunities to celebrate our people, uplift underrepresented voices, and commit to building inclusive, accessible spaces across both our workplaces and the games we share with the world. They also allow us to influence the broader games industry and help shift the narrative around inclusion and representation.
GLOBAL MOMENTS OF CONNECTION AND LEARNING
Fireside Chat with Robin Gray
Robin Gray, co-founder of the Gayming Awards, joined Jessica Zestar-Postrk, our SVP of Strategy and Business Operations and Executive Sponsor of Pride @ Scopely, for an important conversation about LGBTQIA+ representation in video games. Together, they explored the importance of visibility, the impact of inclusive storytelling, and how we can use games to reflect the richness of the communities we serve.
"How To Be Allies to the Disability Community" with Ferny Ruiz
Ferny Ruiz, a Mexican activist living with arthrogryposis and scoliosis, led an honest and inspiring session on what it truly means to be an ally. With vulnerability and humor, Ferny helped us rethink how we advocate for one another. The session was introduced by Enrique Tapias Fraga, Co-Executive Sponsor of our Diverse-Abilities ERG.
Conversation with Mollie Evans
Lydia Banus, VP of Compensation and Executive Sponsor of Diverse-Abilities @ Scopely, sat down with Mollie Evans, Charity Director of Nothing Without Us. Their conversation focused on accessibility in the games industry and the need for continued investment in disability representation, both in front of and behind the screen.
LOCAL MOMENTS OF JOY AND INCLUSION
Wellness and Self-Pride
Throughout both months, Scopeleans had access to virtual wellness sessions that emphasized physical and mental well-being. Chair yoga invited all skill levels to connect through mindful movement, while a session on stress management offered practical strategies with a special focus on supporting neurodivergent individuals.
Expression Through Movement and Makeup
In Barcelona, Scopeleans explored the powerful cultural roots of the LGBTQIA+ community through a Vogue dancing workshop and drag makeup tutorial. Voguing is not just dance, it is storytelling, resistance, and a celebration of identity. Drag makeup, too, offers a space for creativity, gender exploration, and community connection. These expressive forms give people the freedom to challenge expectations and embrace authenticity.
And in an unforgettable moment of solidarity and joy, our Scopeleans marched together at Barcelona’s Pride Parade. We also had Scopeleans walk in many local Pride parades around the world like Mexico City, Los Angeles and London.
Drag Bingo and Lotería: Joy-Filled Performances with Purpose
In Culver City, Barcelona, and Mexico City, teams hosted Drag Bingo and a special version of Lotería, Mexico’s iconic game, led by local drag performers. These events were filled with laughter and connection, but also highlighted how drag as an art form continues to uplift, entertain, and challenge traditional norms around gender and expression.
Community Learning and Shared Meals
Hubs in Dublin, Israel, Mexico City, San Francisco, and Sevilla came together for educational sessions, Pride panels, and creative activities. In Dublin, we partnered with Pride at Work Ireland for a thoughtful Lunch and Learn. In Sevilla and San Francisco, Scopeleans connected over Pride-themed dishes and decorated cookies with Chef Melanie Burkett. These shared experiences turned conversations into connection and helped foster greater understanding.
Accessibility in Action
In Scotland, our Dundee hub led an Accessibility Showcase to demonstrate how assistive technologies work in games. Scopeleans were able to test tools and learn more about how to build inclusive play experiences.
Meanwhile, in Mexico City, Scopeleans stepped into someone else’s shoes with “Cooking Without Sense.” The activity simulated the absence of a sensory function to help build empathy for how people with physical disabilities navigate everyday life.
Creating Space to Recharge
To support Scopeleans during a time of high activity and emotional reflection, we introduced quiet, calming silent rooms in several hubs including Barcelona, Culver City, Mexico City, and Sevilla. These sensory-friendly decompression spaces gave people a place to pause, breathe, and recenter.
At Scopely, we know that games are universal and built by teams that reflect the world around us. Celebrating Pride and Disability Pride is just one way we keep building a workplace where all Scopeleans can show up as their full selves. These moments of visibility empower our people, enrich our storytelling, and are foundational to the inclusive culture we’re building together through One Scopely.
Here’s to inspiring play, for everyone, every day!