Customization and personalization in the gaming world are integral for self-expression. But while visual personalization is common, being able to customize audio environments and voices isn’t. That’s where Voicemod comes in, a platform that lets users sound exactly how they want to.

Young Black players and creators on The Sims are using mods on the game to make the character features available more inclusive and representative. Frustrated with gaps in inclusion and representation in gaming, people are taking it upon themselves to enact change.

Faced with months of lockdown, life simulator video games have surged in popularity, offering escapism, catharsis, and a supportive community. But The Sims Spark’d – a reality TV show that blurs the line between players and in-game avatars – confronts the uglier elements of gaming culture.

The impacts of social inequality became abundantly clear in 2020 amid the pandemic and BLM protests – but this issue doesn’t just affect the physical world. Canvas8 spoke to Dr. Francesca Sobande about how social inequalities manifest online and how brands can foster inclusive digital spaces.