The 2023 Games for Change Festival is set to delve into the future of gaming and immersive technology, with a focus on artificial intelligence, the metaverse, mental health, education, and other topics at the forefront of the industry. Celebrating its 20th anniversary, the Festival is the world’s largest annual event dedicated to games and social impact, attracting developers, executives, and fans from diverse fields.
Scheduled to take place in New York City from July 18th to 20th, the Games for Change Festival will host an impressive lineup of speakers, including representatives from Riot Games, Protocol Labs, University of Cambridge, Games and Online Harassment Hotline, Playmob, Embodied, Inc., and Wizards of the Coast. These industry experts will engage in critical discussions about the evolving gaming landscape, the intersection of technology and social impact, and the future of immersive media.
Jeffrey Burrell from Riot Games will share insights on how the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals guide their impact strategy and fundraising efforts, while Jesse Damiani of Protocol Labs will moderate a panel of AI and metaverse experts, including ChatGPT, discussing advances in safety, inclusion, data collection, and digital literacy. Paul Fletcher from the University of Cambridge will discuss the intersection of clinical neuroscience, virtual reality, and gaming through The Insight Project, an initiative developed in collaboration with Ninja Theory to support mental health.
Other notable speakers and topics include Jae Lin, who will present a nuanced framework for addressing harm in a survivor-centered way; Jude Ower and Mathias Norvig, who will discuss their new book, ‘Playing for our Lives’; and Paolo Pirjanian, who will explore the role of generative AI and robotics in promoting human empathy, engagement, and well-being during play. Cynthia Williams will host a panel on incorporating Dungeons & Dragons into school curricula to develop skills in storytelling, language arts, problem-solving, and interpersonal communication.
The Festival will also feature the XR for Change Summit, which explores emerging technologies shaping the future of social innovation in the metaverse, as well as immersive experiences that unlock new pathways for social impact. Special events like the G4C Games & SDG Summit and G4C Next Gen Fest (both invite-only) will complement the main Festival, providing unique opportunities for leaders and youth to engage with the gaming industry.
Regular-priced tickets for the Festival are now on sale, granting access to the three-day event, the XR for Change Summit, the annual awards celebration, and an immersive arcade. Special pricing is available for educators, indie developers, and students.
