Games for Change announced over half a dozen featured speakers for this year’s Games For Change Festival, including many from kid-focused gaming and businesses:
- Ava Volandes, Director, Social Impact, Minecraft
- Leanne Loombe, VP, Head of External Games at Netflix
- Shuli Gilutz, PhD, Programme Officer (Child Rights & Digital Business), UNICEF
- Corinne Dey, Director of Technology (Games), PBS KIDS
- Cameron Kostopoulos, Founder and CEO, Kost, Award-winning Creator of Body of Mine
- Tristan Marra, Vice President of Research & Reports at the GLAAD Media Institute, GLAAD
- Dr. Walter Greenleaf, Neuroscientist, Virtual Reality, and Digital Health Expert at Stanford University Virtual Human Interaction Lab
- Melanie Harke, Interactive Producer for Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood and Donkey Hodie, Fred Rogers Productions
The Games for Change Festival 2024 takes place June 27-28 at the Parsons School of Design in New York City.
This year’s theme, “The 2030 Marker: A Catalyst for Global Change,” is inspired by the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, and how gaming can have a critical impact in the future.
Festival attendees can connect with developers, educators, producers and more from a global, diverse industry. The festival includes workshops, panels, interactive sessions, and keynote speakers. The Games 4 Change Awards will highlight the year’s best games and their social impact.
“We are at a pivotal moment where gaming and XR are not just entertainment but powerful platforms for advocacy, education, and societal transformation,” said Susanna Pollack, President. “This year’s Festival is a testament to the innovative spirit and growth of our community, showcasing a range of voices, both new and old, leveraging these mediums to address pressing issues in a rapidly evolving world.”
Early bird tickets are available through April 8. Non-profits, indie employees, and students and educators may be eligible for a discount.