About Roots Gaming Network
We are nonprofit in the San Francisco Bay Area dedicated to equipping communities of color with transferrable skills needed to join the video game workforce.
We provide hands-on training, workshops, and mentorship opportunities to accelerate the careers of aspiring BIPOC game industry professionals.
Our Values
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion
Our focus is to remove systemic barriers and make the global games industry more accessible and inclusive towards gender expansive BIPOC communities.
Mental Health
We prioritize mental health and providing a safe space for our participants to develop their careers without the stress of normalized toxicity in gaming.
Cultural Expression
We expose our participants to different cultures, allowing them to learn more about themselves and the world around them through history and traditions.
Leadership Development
Our training programs foster not just professional growth, but also strong and effective leadership skills.
Our Vision
We envision an inclusive gaming industry that celebrates and empowers people of color who take part in it.
Isaiah Johnson
Founder & CEO
Meet the Founder, Isaiah Johnson
Roots Gaming Network was founded by Isaiah Johnson, a Bay Area social activist who has been advocating for diversity in the video game industry for over 6 years.
He has been active in the video game and social impact sectors since 2014, and has noticed a stark contrast between the supportive attitudes of the social impact field and the often disheartening culture of the gaming industry.
Isaiah's mission is to transform the gaming industry into a more diverse, inclusive, and positive space for all gamers. His commitment to empowering others has led him to drive vital opportunities throughout communities of color, including working with nonprofits to award over 5,000 grants and scholarships to young entrepreneurs and graduating high school seniors, providing internships and mentorships to aspiring game developers, and partnering with schools to deliver game design education and beginner tips to students.
He has also supported struggling developers in gaining the necessary studio experience to advance in their careers. With extensive experience in programs centered on video game career development, tech training, and youth development, Isaiah has a deep understanding of successful strategies and the flaws in current diversity efforts. He is dedicated to creating safe spaces where the minoritized can thrive and advance their careers in the gaming industry.