New York City to Host Global Leaders and Pioneers in Social Impact Gaming and XR This June
As the clock ticks closer to the United Nations’ 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) deadline, the Games for Change Festival is gearing up to play a crucial role in driving global change. Scheduled for June 27-28 in New York City, the 2024 edition of this trailblazing event promises to be a powerhouse of ideas and innovations, rallying under the banner The 2030 Marker: A Catalyst for Global Change.
The festival will not only be a gathering of minds but a nexus of action and influence. It will feature an impressive lineup of speakers from the United Nations, including representatives from the Museum for the UN / UN Live, the World Food Programme, the UN Environment Programme, the International Rescue Committee, and UNICEF. These entities will kick off the event with a groundbreaking roundtable discussion focused on leveraging interactive media to propel the Sustainable Development Goals forward.
Adding to the festival’s allure, Poonacha Machaiah, CEO of The Chopra Foundation, will take the stage in a Keynote Fireside chat with Susanna Pollack, President of Games for Change. Together, they will delve into the pivotal role of gaming in addressing the global mental health crisis, underlining the industry’s potential to foster well-being and resilience.
A Gathering of Visionaries and Innovators
This year’s festival will also shine a spotlight on notable industry and civic leaders who are making waves in social impact and education through gaming and immersive technologies. Among them are Leanne Loombe from Netflix, Jesse Schell of Schell Games, and Jessica Lindl of Unity Technologies, who collectively bring a wealth of knowledge and innovation to the table.
Joining them will be Rebecca Kantar from Roblox, Hugo Obi of Maliyo Games, and Poulomi Basu, an artist and activist renowned for her storytelling prowess. Tanya Thompson of Hasbro will also share her insights, contributing to a rich dialogue about the future of gaming and its societal contributions.
Engage, Connect, Transform
Beyond the high-profile talks and roundtables, the festival will provide attendees with numerous opportunities to engage directly with thought leaders and innovators. From hands-on workshops and Meet the Funder sessions to networking activities like Matchmaking and Topic Tables, participants will have ample opportunities to forge connections and spark collaborations.
With an increasing number of UN offices and a diverse global ecosystem of creators and organizations participating, the 2024 Games for Change Festival is poised to demonstrate the transformative power of games and immersive media.
As Susanna Pollack aptly puts it, the event is set to “push the boundaries of what is possible and inspire action towards a more sustainable and equitable future.”
As the world looks towards meeting the SDGs, the Games for Change Festival stands as a beacon of hope and a testament to the potential of digital platforms in crafting a better tomorrow. Join the movement this June and be part of the change that gaming can truly embody.
