How to Use Video Games to Send a Message

TL;DR

The speaker discusses their journey in game development, focusing on educational games and the use of video games to promote environmental activism.

Transcript

all right hi folks I'm Erin thanks for coming today while we're waiting for a couple more people the filter in I'm just gonna throw up the ps4 trailer for my new game just so you know who I am and what I'm about I made this game called gravity ghost it's a peaceful physics platformer set in outer space tells the story of a ghost girl who was lookin... Read More

Key Insights

• 👾 Knowing your audience and their cultural norms is crucial when creating educational games.
• 🎮 Video games have the potential to influence and shape social norms.
• 💱 The urgency of addressing climate change requires rapid transition to renewable energy.
• 👶 Individual actions, such as divestment from fossil fuels, can contribute to creating a new cultural norm.
• 👾 Game developers have a unique position to reach and influence a large audience.
• 🤔 Systems thinking and identifying areas of influence are important in tackling societal issues.
• 💨 Activism can be pursued in various ways and tailored to individual interests and passions.

Questions & Answers

Q: What is the speaker's background in game development?

The speaker initially worked in academia but eventually became an independent game developer. They have a bachelor's in science and psychology, and have created several independent educational games.

Q: How did the speaker develop an educational game to reduce implicit bias in academia?

The speaker worked on a game called Fair Play, which was funded by a grant from the National Institute of Health. The goal was to raise awareness of bias among academic faculty making hiring decisions. The game was designed to immerse players in the academic culture and teach them about implicit biases.

Q: What is the main message the speaker wants to send with their games?

The speaker wants to use games to make a positive impact, whether it's promoting environmental activism or addressing biases. They believe that games have the power to reach a wide audience and create new social norms.

Q: How did the speaker raise funds for their environmental activism stream?

The speaker organized a Twitch stream called Beat the Dev, where video game developers competed against each other. Viewers could donate money, which went to benefit the Sierra Club, an environmental organization. The stream gained traction through word-of-mouth and raised over $5,000.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The speaker introduces their game, Gravity Ghost, and discusses their journey in game development.

• They highlight the importance of knowing your audience when creating educational games, emphasizing the need to understand their culture and tailor the game accordingly.

• The speaker talks about the urgency of addressing climate change and shares their efforts in using video games to reach a wider audience and promote environmental activism.