Inclusion and exclusion in gaming communities: a systematic review and future directions to increase inclusivity

Gaming now engages 85% of American youth and adults across demographic boundaries. Gaming in its current form facilitates rich social exchanges through diverse platforms, transforming how participants communicate, collaborate, and build relationships. Yet despite the theoretical accessibility of gaming spaces to individuals from all backgrounds, gaming communities frequently manifest high rates of exclusionary practices. The high rates of social exclusion undermine gaming's promise as an inclusive domain, with participants from marginalized groups systematically being held from full engagement in gaming. To address this issue, our paper systematically analyzed inclusivity challenges based on findings from 80 articles published over the last decade. Our methodical examination of this literature identifies patterns of exclusion operating through representations, community practices, and institutional structures. We also document current inclusivity initiatives undertaken by key stakeholders—including developers, community organizers, and governing bodies—and develop new ones into an integrated framework to minimize exclusivity within gaming cultures. We argue that academic research can play a vital role in this transformation through facilitating cross-sector collaboration, evaluating intervention effectiveness, tracking emerging challenges, gathering participant perspectives, and disseminating practical knowledge. By offering interdisciplinary recommendations, this paper aims to outline a model for more equitable gaming communities that can fulfill their potential as sites of social inclusion. Gaming now engages 85% of American youth and adults across demographic boundaries. Gaming in its current form facilitates rich social exchanges through diverse platforms, transforming how participants communicate, collaborate, and build relationships. Yet despite the theoretical accessibility of gaming spaces to individuals from all backgrounds, gaming communities frequently manifest high rates of exclusionary practices. The high rates of social exclusion undermine gaming's promise as an inclusive domain, with participants from marginalized groups systematically being held from full engagement in gaming. To address this issue, our paper systematically analyzed inclusivity challenges based on findings from 80 articles published over the last decade. Our methodical examination of this literature identifies patterns of exclusion operating through representations, community practices, and institutional structures. We also document current inclusivity initiatives undertaken by key stakeholders—including developers, community organizers, and governing bodies—and develop new ones into an integrated framework to minimize exclusivity within gaming cultures. We argue that academic research can play a vital role in this transformation through facilitating cross-sector collaboration, evaluating intervention effectiveness, tracking emerging challenges, gathering participant perspectives, and disseminating practical knowledge. By offering interdisciplinary recommendations, this paper aims to outline a model for more equitable gaming communities that can fulfill their potential as sites of social inclusion.