IThrive Games has extended the deadline for essay submissions for a peer-reviewed issue of academic journal Well Played, published by ETC Press. Submissions can be researched and data-driven, or theoretical and opinionated. The new deadline for submissions is October 1.

Everyone from educators and developers to insightful players are encouraged to submit a story. The goal for the issue is to highlight and feature the best peer-reviewed essays and studies surrounding video games. The focus is on how gaming can positively affect teens. A list of potential topics are provided as starting points:

  • Identifying personal strengths and abilities through gameplay
  • Designing games for empathy
  • Cooperative gameplay and prosocial outcomes
  • Games as a space for self-exploration and identity experimentation
  • Fostering growth mindset through gameplay
  • Cultivating optimism through gameplay
  • Gameplay to enhance persistence in real life
  • Promoting teen health and well-being
  • Building teens’ self-awareness through gameplay
  • Boosting self-efficacy through gameplay
  • Games as a tool for social and emotional skill development
  • Developing resilience through gameplay

There is no length requirement for submissions, but 12-point Times New Roman font and APA style are requested. Authors will be notified of the status of their submissions by November 1.

IThrive Games is a non-profit organization that specializes in teens and gaming. The organization studies behavioral, social, and emotional effects. They collaborate with studios and developers to provide research and resources.

The Well Played Journal is an academic journal published by Carnegie Mellon University imprint ETC Press. Contributors provide numerous perspectives on the positive psychology of gaming.

Interested writers should contact Heidi McDonald at iThrive Games for more information. The deadline for submissions is October 1.

 


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Eric has been writing for over nine years with bylines at Dicebreaker, Pixelkin, Polygon, PC Gamer, Tabletop Gaming magazine, and more covering movies, TV shows, video games, tabletop games, and tech. He reviews and live streams D&D adventures every week on his YouTube channel. He also makes a mean tuna quesadilla.