Revolutionizing Gaming: How ‘Code My Crown’ is bringing Black hair textures to life in video games

In a groundbreaking move, Dove and the Open Source Afro Hair Library have unveiled Code My Crown, a pioneering initiative set to transform the digital gaming landscape. This free guide, crafted by talented Black 3D artists, marks a significant stride towards inclusivity, offering developers worldwide the tools to authentically represent Black hair textures and styles in video games.

A Need for Change Despite technological advancements, the gaming industry has long overlooked the diversity of Black hairstyles, often resorting to stereotypical depictions. This gap has not gone unnoticed, with 85% of Black gamers feeling that their hair textures are poorly represented in games. The launch of Code My Crown is a direct response to this disparity, aiming to enrich the gaming experience for millions of Black players who seek a sense of community, fun, and self-expression.

Bridging the Representation Gap Led by A.M. Darke, Founder of the Open Source Afro Hair Library, Code My Crown is a collaborative effort involving Black artists, animators, programmers, and academics. These experts have crafted 15 original hair sculpts, each accompanied by detailed instructions, 360-degree photo mapping, and cultural insights. This resource empowers developers globally to more accurately model and represent textured hair, addressing the lack of formal reference materials in this area.

Personal Testimonies and Dove’s Mission Isaac Olander, Lead Developer of Code My Crown, shares his personal journey and the gratification in contributing to this cause. Dove’s involvement, particularly through the CROWN Coalition, highlights their commitment to creating a respectful and open world for natural hair, extending from legal protections to virtual representation. Leandro Barreto, Senior Vice President at Dove, emphasizes the importance of seeing one’s beauty reflected in both the real and virtual worlds.

The Call to Action Code My Crown is more than a guide; it’s a call to game developers and industry leaders to join in making virtual beauty inclusive. This initiative is a step towards ensuring that Black gamers see themselves as heroes in the games they play.

Conclusion Visit Dove.com/CodeMyCrown to download this transformative guide. Together, we can change the narrative for Black hair representation in gaming. Let’s embrace diversity and create a more inclusive virtual world. #CodeMyCrown

Additional Information The press release also includes details about the research conducted by Edelman DXI and insights into the founding and missions of the Open Source Afro Hair Library and Dove.