The 2023 Games for Change festival will offer sessions on AI, mental health and the spread of misinformation in online gaming communities. Recently, the event announced the speakers for the 20th Anniversary Festival, including various gaming industry members. The event will be held July 18th to 19th, followed by XR For Change on the 20th at the Times Center & Microsoft Times Square in New York City.
Mental health and gaming
The potential for therapy through video games is vast. A recent study shows that VR can be used as a form of therapy for children with autism.
Psychiatrist and University of Cambridge Professor of Health Neuroscience Paul Fletcher will speak on VR, neuroscience and The Insight Project. The Insight Project is an initiative to support mental health via video games by Ninja Theory and the University.
Games for Change President Susanna Pollack says, “As the gaming industry continues to rapidly evolve, engaging in critical discussions around timely topics and their impact on our society is more important than ever. As the leader in games and social impact, Games for Change is proud to facilitate these conversations with a diverse group of industry executives who are collectively shaping the future of games and immersive media over the next 20 years. We are excited to host these important conversations and work towards a mindful, safe, and sustainable future for our industry.”
2023 Games for Change Festival: Empathy and AI
Additionally, the founder and CEO of Embodied, Paolo Pirjanian, will discuss generative AI and robotics. Pirjanian’s talk focuses on how AI can inspire players to engage more and promote social and cognitive development through empathy. Also speaking at the event is President of Wizards of the Coast and Digital Gaming, Cynthia Williams.
Tickets for the 2023 Games for Change festival are now available to purchase. Also, tickets include access to the XR for Change Summit, the annual awards celebration and a one-of-a-kind immersive arcade. The festival promises to offer many networking opportunities and educators, indie developers and students are eligible for discounted tickets.
In the UK, BAFTA is partnering with Safe in Our World to host a mental health summit for industry leaders May 22nd.
Jack Brassell is a freelance journalist and aspiring novelist. Jack is a self-proclaimed nerd with a lifelong passion for storytelling. As an author, Jack writes mostly horror and young adult fantasy. Also an avid gamer, she works as the lead news editor at Hardcore Droid. When she isn't writing or playing games, she can often be found binge-watching Parks & Rec or The Office, proudly considering herself to be a cross between Leslie Knope and Pam Beasley.
