Junae Benne, a freelancer entrenched in the gaming realm, grapples with a common freelance dilemma – the multifaceted nature of their skills often complicates self-branding. Within the gaming industry, expertise in a particular niche holds significant value, pressuring individuals to select and adhere to a specialization – a notion Benne finds unappealing.
Armed with a degree in Media Communications and Broadcast Journalism from Northern Illinois University, Benne commenced her journey as a contract community manager for SynapticSwitch, now SynaptixGames. Subsequently, she delved into producing a weekly gaming news format for an online publication based in Colorado.
Reflecting on her stint in Colorado, Benne reminisces, “I transitioned to Colorado and joined a video game marketing company. While I aspired for on-camera roles, leveraging my broadcast journalism background, my responsibilities primarily revolved around writing for their YouTube channel and assisting with conventions.”
Benne’s diverse skill set culminated from her exposure to various roles – from marketing and community management to event organization and content creation – a versatility she honed while establishing her own gaming lounge specializing in fighting games.
“I honed my community-building skills within the fighting game community, notorious for their discerning nature. Understanding their unique needs and preferences was crucial,” Benne explains.
In addition to hosting tournaments in Chicago, Benne spearheaded an after-school program sponsored by the city aimed at teaching children coding skills and fostering internet literacy – an accomplishment she holds dear.
Benne’s expertise garnered attention, leading to her recruitment as a community development specialist at Xbox. Her role encompassed organizing events, managing social media, forging partnerships with local entities, and instructing coding at summer camps.
While Benne’s background aligns with the demands of her role, much of her proficiency stems from hands-on experience – a facet often overlooked by others.
“When tasked with unfamiliar challenges, I took it upon myself to find solutions. This adaptability defined my approach,” Benne remarks.
Notably, Benne’s involvement with Black Girl Gamers showcased her versatility as she contributed to various facets of the community, spanning panel organization, content creation, event management, and partnership outreach.
However, translating her diverse skill set into traditional marketing roles posed challenges, with recruiters citing her lack of specialized experience.
“I encountered situations where my breadth of experience was misconstrued as a lack of depth. It felt like a catch-22 situation,” Benne laments.
In her quest for guidance, Benne sought mentorship, only to find limited support within games-adjacent roles compared to game development positions.
“My ambitions are multifaceted. While I admire longevity in careers, I prioritize roles that align with my passions, which span event management, community engagement, and content creation,” Benne asserts.
Benne’s attempts to focus on individual skill sets felt akin to restarting her journey within the industry, emphasizing the challenges of establishing oneself.
“As I explored avenues like media training and UX, I realized the complexities of venturing into new domains despite my extensive tenure in the gaming industry,” Benne reflects.
As a minority within the industry, Benne grapples with feelings of alienation, compounded by the perception that diversity initiatives represent a transient effort.
“Being a Black professional in the gaming industry in 2024 is daunting. The perception that diversity efforts are momentary undermines sustained progress. While I’m committed to driving change, I recognize the limitations imposed by systemic barriers,” Benne observes.
Despite the hurdles, Benne remains steadfast in her commitment to fostering positive change within the gaming community.
“I advocate for leaving a lasting impact on the gaming industry. Though my aspirations may not include founding a studio, I strive to empower my community through education on various aspects, including pitching, content creation, and mental well-being,” Benne affirms.
Amidst industry shifts, Benne has leveraged platforms like newsletters and Discord to cultivate her own community, ensuring continued engagement despite uncertainties regarding her future endeavors.
“While the future may be uncertain, my passion for gaming and community remains unwavering. I’m dedicated to leaving a positive imprint on the industry, one that transcends individual accomplishments,” Benne concludes.
