Primary Stakeholders
To define a stakeholder for a video game-oriented organization, we need to eliminate many potential stakeholders to find what OUGDA is looking for. The people that play video games are generally broad, but those looking to get into the game industry and development are far more scarce. Filing it down to students, then to students attending OU, the primary stakeholder reveals itself as follows:
- 18-23 years of age, academically proficient in computer science, visual arts, creative writing and film and/or media studies.
- Male dominant, (approx 62% of game developers are male, 30% female, 8% non-binary), diverse demographic.
- Student at University of Oklahoma.
This target stakeholder is important, as it provides the main focus for the organizations purpose: which is essentially serving their needs.
Secondary Stakeholders
However, students are not the only stakeholders involved. The two other stakeholders integral to an organization like OUGDA, among other Gallogly organizations, are potential/incoming OU students and potential donors/sponsors, preferably OU alumni involved in game dev.
The prospects for potential/incoming students are:
- 16-18 years of age, academically proficient in STEM, visual arts and writing.
- Male dominant, diverse demographic.
- Expected to graduate and are considering/committed to OU
The prospects for potential donors/sponsors are:
- Ages 30-45
- Actively works in game development
- OU alumnus
Curating a Message
Each of these stakeholders are of equal importance to OUGDA, as getting them all engaged with the organization puts it in the place it needs to be to succeed.
Curating messages for each stakeholder is essential to connecting with them and communicating the purpose of the organization and why we want them to get involved.
For current students, this means getting those interested in game dev to find their place, and showing that there is something for them at OU.
For potential students, it’s giving an early glimpse at what OU offers, and what OUGDA does in hope to get STEM and creative students to attend OU and join the organization.
And for potential donors, it’s reaching out to OU alumni that currently work in the game industry, and asking for their support for the students at their alma mater pursuing game development.
With these in mind, I feel that creating the tactics necessary that are tailored for each stakeholder would be effective.