#dnd #funfact
Researchers at University College Cork found that playing Dungeons & Dragons benefits mental health by providing escapism, self-exploration, and social support.
psychiatrist.com/news/study-finds-dungeons-dragons-boosts-mental-health/
#ttrpg #gaming #gamedev #mtg
I also definitely would look at games like Prism, made by Carnegie Mellon students (?), for autism awareness and how to incorporate, again, students and those with autism as part of the design process.
It's still impactful! Money, in this type of impact, isn't the sole measure of worth. You could look at The Dragon, Cancer and Alpha Beat Cancer as examples of how to have impact with children and parents (personal stories, incorporating children in the design process).
For other games, it can be about how you represent marginalized voices through the game process, incorporating them from start to finish and advocating for their voices to be heard.
All depends on what you want to change about the world!
For the Plastic Pipeline, which won the Best in Environmental Impact last year, we did pre- and post-tests in both the US and Vietnam with 230+ students to see if we increased self-efficacy and knowledge around plastic pollution.
This may be my bias as a researcher, but that means not just relying on reviews. Work with your team to survey, interview, observe and otherwise empirically ensure that what you want to be happening (learning, attitude change, behavior) is happening.
I wish I had tricks! Games for Change is a high-caliber festival, and hard to get a presentation slot in. To be in the arcade, you often have to be nominated for an award. For that, I would really look at ways to ensure your game is having a measurable impact.
I would love the opportunity to connect with game devs and the broader ecosystem. If there was a space for folks like me, I'm sure we would come!
Me standing in front of a poster of our game, the Plastic Pipeline, at Games for Change. The game was developed by FableVision studios and can be played on mobile, tablet or anything with a browser. The image shows our characters and logo.
👻 Ghosting #GDC from afar.. I don't fit an industry label as I both direct/research gaming at a think tank, e.g.
- My dissertation was on esports fandom aka why do people watch other people play video games
- I've worked with to make games on AI and the Plastic Pipeline
gl,hf at #GDC2025 !
Happening now: #SXSWEDU Keynote Session "Screening Bias: Breaking Down Barriers for Women in STEM on TV" with Emily Calandrelli.
Join us in ACC Ballroom D, or watch live: sxswedu.com/live
Having gone here this morning.... please ignore my previous recommendations and go to Veracruz. 🤌
EdSource's Education Beat host @zstavely.bsky.social is attending #SXSWEDU 2025 this week. Watch as we record an episode live on March 5.
Details here: bit.ly/4bsuUKY
Great view!
"It is not the technology that is coming to replace jobs, but it's the ability to learn to use the tools" #SXSWedu in reference to threat of AI (and whatever new tech comes next)
Rev. is a coffee shop just a block or so over from the convention center, west-ish!
I'll start, for breakfast tacos and coffee:
- Just had Revolucion's tacos. Excellent deal ($10 for two tacos and a coffee). Great proximity to convention center. Get the potato/egg/cheese.
- Hidden gem: Houndstooth. I think one #SXSWEdu I went there three days in a row. Farther out, less of a line.
Come mingle with fellow attendees at the Early Bird Social, presented by @teachforamerica.bsky.social, at the Austin Marriott Downtown in Waller Ballroom AB. #SXSWEDU
Been up since 5am and only one coffee in, so a serious question for #SXSWEdu: where do you get your Austin food fix?
Recommendation 5 for #SXSWEdu. Make SURE you get a breakfast taco in Austin!
Recommendation 4 for #SXSWEdu. Be ready to expand your horizons, exchange info, and meet amazing people as passionate as you are from around the world.
Recommendation 3 for #SXSWEdu. Don't be scared of the exhibit hall. There are always great networking opportunities there on tons of swag.
Recommendation 2 for #SXSWEdu: Take advantage of the networking opportunities. Meet ups and workshops are an amazing session format, and for most you just need to be curious about the topic to make really good connections.
Some quck recommendations for those attending #SXSWEdu for the first time. Add your own!
1. Try not to studf your schedule. Yes, there is a lot to see. Yes, there are amazing talks. But some of the best moments are in the hallway over coffee or a talk just outside your expertise.
My biggest recommendation is to know you can plan, but also, it's okay to allow yourself some "go with the flow moments." Some of the best talks I have seen are ones where I just got it on a whim!
Also, VooDoo Donuts are really popular and you cannot go wrong with breakfast tacos.
On the opposite end of the spectrum here... Full flight! Safe travels!
Who is going to be at #SXSWEdu? And who is going to talk me out of getting a onesie for my newborn, who will also be in Austin?
How do you do all the things you do?? Thanks for sharing!
Good things come to those who wait - the Video Game History Foundation Digital Library launches on January 30th, 2025. (We'll tell you all about it then!)
