A subset of gamers is looking to make the hobby more inclusive by setting up online communities with only positive vibes. The move reflects people’s growing frustration with online platforms failing to protect users, highlighting opportunities for brands to help make spaces safer.

Despite esports growing in popularity among women, they're still more likely to be harassed within this space and excluded. As such, Complexity Gaming and Denny’s are coming together to stream ‘pancake drops’, a series of live streams aimed at celebrating the inclusion of women in esports.

The metaverse holds the potential to offer virtual utopias for all. But with racism and sexism commonplace in existing digital spaces, there are doubts that Web3 will be any more inclusive. Canvas8 spoke to the artist LaJuné McMillian about how brands can create more welcoming online worlds.

With many disabled people still feeling left out of typical beauty narratives and mainstream conversations, some brands are hoping to diversify the landscape. Hair-care brand Pantene is driving inclusivity through product innovation and partnerships with key voices in the disabled community.