It’s a fun world out there- but it’s not all games. That’s the message we’ve been taking away from the first day of the Games for Change festival, being held now through this weekend in New York, largely at NYU, in conjunction with the Tribeca Film Festival.
Thus far, Jane McGonigal opened the show with a compelling talk about games of the future- and we’re not talking about Call of Duty XXV, but new ways of playing, and how they will affect the world. And moments ago, we learned how a group is piloting a project in Jordan that takes Farmville-like mechanics but turns the city builder into a compelling way to inform players about civic engagement, working with NGOs to inform and educate about topics that make sense… and even drive real-life tasks as well, somehow using action to replace micro-transactions.
Tomorrow’s sessions include some networking and table topics socializing at local board game cafe, The Uncommons. And headliner Dan Ariely has a talk at noon, talking about how to modify behavior to improve goal achievement in the long term. Thursday, in Washington Square Park, a massive game called Feed will take place, with the aim of combating world hunger. Additional lectures on Prediction Games, Gender Inequality, and Emotional Storytelling are just a few of the others, and several interesting games showcased in talks are playable on-site here at the Skirball Center. With awards, and even an awesome outdoor arcade this Saturday, Games For Change is an important event- and you should definitely join if you can! Limited registration is still available, with great student discounts.