Mobile apps and computer games often spark images of teenagers in basements battling sci-fi creatures. But gaming now goes well beyond pure entertainment and is at the nexus of learning, advocacy and social change. Game makers are creating games for social good — games where players learn about issues such as poverty, civic participation and the environment, with the added advantage of being entertained. And funders are taking note of the opportunity to reach whole new segments with mission-driven media. At this session, hear from several developers on how games are being used to explore human rights, immigration, sustainable agriculture, community development and other urgent issues. Robert Torres, Senior Program Officer at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, will also discuss how supporting the development and distribution of social impact games can be an innovative new way to help fulfill your mission. Our program will begin with a 90 minute panel discussion with game developers, distributors and funders, followed by a one-hour demo/arcade session where attendees will be able to play various games and see firsthand how they effectively combine fun, education and positive impact.
Explore
The world of social impact games
How playing games can actually affect important issues
How funding the creation and distribution of social impact games can help foundations meet their missions
A Philanthropy New York Collaborative Program, co-presented with Media Impact Funders.
This program is "Mostly Open."
You can watch the panel discussion via livestream from 3:00-4:30 PM.
Presenters
Asi Burak, Executive Director, Games for Change
Jeff Curley, Executive Director, iCivics
Sandra Sheppard, Director & Executive Producer, Children's & Educational Media Thirteen/WNET
Vince Stehle, (moderator) Executive Director, Media Impact Funders
Robert Torres, Senior Program Officer, The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
Ken Weber, Executive Director, Zynga.org