2011 Games For Change Recap
Games For Change might not be the most heavily followed event in the gaming industry, but it does give gamers, developers and even the media the opportunity to see video game titles for what they really are. In the last few years, gaming has gotten a bad rap. Sure, there are tons of ultra violent titles to which there is no goal other than to slaughter thousands of computer generated enemies.
Some titles like “Little Big World” allow gamers to create their own worlds, giving them the opportunity to design the setting, plot and characters according to their own standards. But the 2011 Games For Change event touched upon how video games have evolved in different political and environmental climates. Keynote speaker Jesse Schell talked about industry innovators, Dani Bery, Will Wright and even television character ‘Mr. Rogers,’ and the effect that they have had on the gaming world.
In essence, Games For Change is not an event that focusing on the newest technologies in gaming, but rather the effect that gaming has had on the world. From games being used in the classroom, to government agencies looking into training soldier for combat with games, a pastime that most see as fun and entertaining is actually being a vital part of our society. Talking about gaming won’t end global warming, but it does give developers a platform to discuss their newest ideas. Without brainstorming sessions such as these, game makers might not know the full extent of the positive impact gaming is having on society.