inclusion, and equity in gaming
AnyKey is an non-profit organization that advocates for diversity, inclusion, and equity in gaming & streaming. We amplify, connect, and empower marginalized players and their allies through research and strategic initiatives.
Anybody should feel welcome in gaming, everybody ought to be meaningfully included, and all people deserve to be fairly represented.
AnyKey's primary objective is to substantially increase diversity, inclusion, and equity in competitive gaming & live streaming.
Increase the percentage of marginalized people represented in gaming & streaming.
This means women, players of color, LGBTQ+ folks, players with disabilities, and gamers over 35 should be invited to play, spectate, compete, and build communities.
Improve the quality of participation for marginalized gamers & streamers.
This means ensuring that when we invite people to join our gaming spaces they feel welcome and valued when they participate.
Provide opportunities and resources for marginalized community members.
This means making material contributions that impact players, casters, streamers, community builders, tournament organizers, and industry professionals.
Our research-driven initiatives are designed to reduce intersectional obstacles and provide supportive resources for marginalized players and inclusive communities.
All AnyKey programs are guided by three strategic pillars that have emerged from our years of ethnographic research in gaming communities.
Highlight those blazing a trail in the gaming community through content, videos, grants, articles, showcases, and tournaments.
Our Affiliate program, Spotlight series, and Changemakers Grant amplify the efforts of role models making gaming spaces more representative, inclusive, and equitable.
Create meaningful opportunities for under-represented groups to meet and network at important gaming events.
Our Squad Building events and Inclusion Lounges facilitate conversations between marginalized gamers, creating crucial connections for career support.
Advance positivity in gaming through social initiatives, educational tools, and insightful research.
Our GLHF Pledge, Keystone Code, and Inclusion 101 curriculum empower people with the knowledge and skills to make their own spaces more inclusive.
AnyKey was founded in 2015 by Dr. Morgan Romine and Dr. T.L. Taylor with the goal of building a more inclusive and accessible esports world for all.
Since that inception, AnyKey has become the leading advocacy organization for inclusion and diversity in competitive gaming & live streaming.
We've propelled change from the start through inclusive awareness campaigns, comfy conference lounges, educational resources, networking events, panels & lectures, peer-reviewed publications, and women's tournaments.
We are committed to a long-term vision of a gaming community that is welcoming to all players, regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, age, disability, religious beliefs, background, or physical appearance.
We believe it is possible to be fiercely competitive while embracing positive play, so we pursue research and initiatives aimed at building a gaming culture in which players are known for their skills, rather than personal traits.
Our organization’s name is a playful reference to the phrase “press any key to continue.” For us, it means that anybody should be welcome in gaming.
Our logo, a mechanical keycap with an equality sign, was designed to represent that elusive key.
The AnyKey logo is a symbol of respect and inclusion. Whenever you see it out in the wild, know that you're in a welcoming space!
As a non-profit organization AnyKey relies on funding from industry partners, philanthropic angels, and small donors to achieve our mission. We've been fortunate to collaborate with fantastic sponsors, past and present, who believe in what we do.
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OneOC: Tax ID 95-2021700