LAS VEGAS – Determined to lead by example, Las Vegas mobile gaming developer PLAYSTUDIOS is making good on its pledge to advocate for racial justice and address inequality – beginning with an examination of its own practices and policies.
PLAYSTUDIOS has partnered with corporate diversity consultancy OpenAccess to review its current diversity and inclusion initiatives and make recommendations that will allow the company to strengthen its internal culture. This will be part of a broader effort aimed at fostering long-term structural change through awareness, training, and engagement.
OpenAccess, which works with companies to center inclusion and diversity as a competitive advantage, will begin its process with an audit of PLAYSTUDIOS’ Diversity Equity and Inclusion beliefs and practices. A company-wide survey, one-on-one interviews, and comprehensive review of PLAYSTUDIOS’ hiring practices, recruitment strategies, and policies and procedures will follow, ensuring that they are aligned with the company’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
The partnership between OpenAccess and PLAYSTUDIOS was formed in the wake of the gaming leader’s statement following the death of George Floyd. In that statement, Andrew Pascal, PLAYSTUDIOS Founder, Chairman, and Chief Executive Officer, pledged that PLAYSTUDIOS would take meaningful action for equity and justice.
“We have always been an open-minded company, committed to supporting the culturally diverse communities where we operate, but we must still take every opportunity to see how we can do better,” explains Mr. Pascal. “If we are going to participate, with integrity, in the larger movement, we must continue to challenge and change ourselves.
“We have already used our words to declare our position. Now we will use our actions, our influence, and our resources to drive the long-overdue changes this moment is calling for. This includes doing what is right in our day-to-day business practices, as well as supporting the work of advocacy organizations opposing racism and injustice.”
Acknowledging the deep link between diversity and creativity, OpenAccess believes PLAYSTUDIOS’ status as an innovator within the mobile gaming industry places the company in a unique position to lead on this issue.
“Any company that is not a part of this movement will be left behind,” says OpenAccess Founding Partner Karina Cabrera Bell. “This is a moment of reckoning, and the companies that have stepped up to say, ‘We have had enough’ will be the ones that last.’”
Adds Founding Partner Karen Fullerton: “This alliance will position PLAYSTUDIOS as a model for its industry, and bring about the kind of change that can steer the larger conversation – and more importantly, actions – in a positive direction.”
Upon completing an initial assessment with input from PLAYmakers, OpenAccess will assist PLAYSTUDIOS in refining its long-term Diversity Equity and Inclusion strategy to enhance its culture and ensure everyone is valued, respected, and possesses a sense of belonging.
About PLAYSTUDIOS
PLAYSTUDIOS is the developer of award-winning casual games for mobile and social platforms, including POP! Slots, myVEGAS Slots, myVEGAS Blackjack, and my KONAMI Slots. The apps are powered by the company’s groundbreaking playAWARDS loyalty platform, which enables players to earn real-world rewards from more than 70 iconic hospitality, entertainment, and leisure brands across 15 countries and four continents. playAWARDS partners include MGM Resorts International, Wolfgang Puck, Norwegian Cruise Line, Resorts World, Gray Line Tours, and Hippodrome Casino, among others. Founded by a team of veteran gaming, hospitality, and technology entrepreneurs, PLAYSTUDIOS apps combine the best elements of popular social games with exciting casino gaming mechanics. To learn more about PLAYSTUDIOS, visit playstudios.com.
About OpenAccess
OpenAccess is a talent strategy firm partnering with companies to build diverse teams and foster equitable workplaces. Their solutions help disrupt conventional thinking, mitigate bias in practices, and promote belonging.
