Biography:
Tanya DePass, also known by her username Cypheroftyr, is an American journalist, activist, and streamer. She is renowned for her significant contributions to the gaming industry and her tireless efforts in promoting diversity and inclusivity. DePass’s upbringing in a poor family in Chicago laid the foundation for her journey towards challenging the status quo in the gaming world. From a young age, she found solace and inspiration in tabletop and video games, where she could immerse herself in imaginative worlds and narratives.
DePass became acutely aware of the lack of representation for marginalized communities, particularly Black and queer characters, in the gaming industry. Recognizing the absence of full characters that resembled her and the limited opportunities for them to be heroes, she felt compelled to take action. DePass dedicated herself to fighting for change and dismantling the barriers that marginalized individuals face in the gaming industry.
As an accomplished writer, DePass has penned numerous articles on diversity, feminism, and race for esteemed publications such as Polygon and Vice. Her insightful perspectives and informed analysis have shed light on the importance of representation and the need for systemic change within the gaming community. In addition to her writing, DePass provides valuable diversity consultation services to game development studios and organizations.
DePass’s impact extends beyond her writing and consultation work. She is widely recognized as a trailblazer and advocate for change. She founded the non-profit organization I Need Diverse Games in 2016, which has since become a beacon of hope and catalyst for transformation in the gaming industry. Through this platform, DePass has been instrumental in fostering inclusivity, challenging stereotypes, and amplifying marginalized voices.
Her dedication to promoting diversity and inclusivity has earned DePass numerous accolades and recognition. In 2020, she was honored as a Civic Media Fellow at USC’s Annenberg Innovation Lab, further solidifying her as a leading figure in the gaming and activist communities. DePass’s efforts were also showcased in the Victoria and Albert Museum’s esteemed Design/Play/Disrupt exhibit, highlighting her valuable contributions.
Furthermore, DePass’s advocacy extends to the realm of tabletop role-playing games. She is the co-developer of the Fifth Season RPG, drawing inspiration from N. K. Jemisin’s groundbreaking Broken Earth trilogy. Through this project, DePass continues to challenge the norms of storytelling and expand the possibilities for representation in the gaming world.
Online, DePass is known by her username Cypheroftyr and has built a strong presence as a streamer on Twitch. Unfortunately, she has also faced harassment, highlighting the ongoing challenges many women and minorities encounter in the gaming community. Undeterred by these obstacles, DePass has remained steadfast in her mission to foster inclusivity and ensure equitable representation for all.
DePass’s relentless pursuit of change extends beyond her work in the gaming industry. In 2020, amidst the George Floyd protests, she organized a charity stream to raise funds for The Bail Project, which raised over $140,000 USD in a single day. This inspiring act of solidarity demonstrated her unwavering commitment to addressing systemic issues beyond the realms of gaming.
In recognition of her outstanding contributions, DePass has received numerous accolades and acknowledgements. Fireside Magazine, for which she served as the special features editor, was nominated for a Hugo Award for Best Semiprozine in 2019. The following year, DePass was among the distinguished recipients of the Diana Jones Award, which celebrated Black Excellence in Gaming. Additionally, Kotaku named her as one of their Gamers of the Year for 2020, highlighting her continued impact and influence. Moreover, DePass was honored as part of the inaugural Future Class at The Game Awards 2020.
Tanya DePass’s invaluable work as an activist, journalist, and streamer has undoubtedly shaped the gaming industry and paved the way for a more inclusive and representative future. Her commitment to empowering marginalized communities and challenging the prevailing norms has left an indelible mark on women’s history.