Games for Change
Games for Change business and news from across the web.
Latest coverage
Morning Gatherings and Events
The Games for Change Festival is set to expand its reach by moving to new cities. This expansion aims to broaden the festival's impact and accessibility.
Games for Change Festival to expand and move to new cities
The Games for Change Festival will expand its reach by hosting events in new cities during odd-numbered years, starting with Arizona in 2027 in partnership with Arizona State University. The festival will return to New York in even-numbered years and will resume a three-day schedule due to increased attendance. This expansion aims to include more creators, developers, educators, and researchers in the G4C community.
2026 Games for Change Awards
The winners of the 2026 Games for Change Awards have been announced following the conclusion of the 2026 Games for Change Festival. The event celebrates games that promote social change and positive impact.
Games for Change report aims to ground parental gaming concerns in "evidence rather than fear"
Games for Change has published a white paper, supported by Tencent and authored by Dr. Rachel Kowert, aiming to address parental concerns about video games by grounding them in evidence rather than fear. The report, 'What Families Need to Know About Video Games and Well-Being,' encourages positive parental engagement and collaboration with industry and educators. The organization is also implementing these principles through its Raising Good Gamers program and workshops.
South of Midnight and Consume Me win big at the 2026 Games for Change Awards
The 2026 Games for Change Awards celebrated games with social impact, with South of Midnight and Consume Me taking home multiple awards including Game/Experience of the Year and Indie Breakout, respectively. The ceremony, held during the Games for Change Festival in New York City, highlighted titles from 42 countries, recognizing achievements in narrative, gameplay, community empowerment, environmental impact, health, learning, and emerging media.
South of Midnight wins Game and Experience of the Year at Games for Change Awards 2026
Compulsion Games' South of Midnight was named Game and Experience of the Year at the 2026 Games for Change Awards. The ceremony also recognized Hexecutable's Consume Me for Best Narrative and Best Gameplay, and Paintbucket Games' The Darkest Files for Best in Learning. Jenn Panattoni received the Vanguard Award for her significant contributions to the industry, including establishing the Xbox Social Impact team.
Games for Change Reveals 2026 Festival Speakers as Global Leaders Gather to Reimagine Play
Games for Change has announced additional speakers for its 23rd annual festival, themed "Reimagining Play," taking place July 21-22, 2026, in New York City. The event will feature leaders from UNICEF, thatgamecompany, and Annapurna, among others, discussing how games drive social impact and innovation beyond entertainment. The festival will include panels, a new Playtest Lab for early-stage works, and the Games for Change Awards.
Games for Change Announces 2026 Special Award Winners
Games for Change has announced the special award winners for its 2026 awards, recognizing significant contributions to social impact in gaming. Jenn Panattoni will receive the Vanguard Award, thatgamecompany the Industry Leadership Award, and SpecialEffect the Giving Award for their work in advancing social causes through games and technology.
Games for Change to “Reimagine Play,” Featuring Leaders from PBS KIDS, EA, Neopets, SYBO, BBC, and More at 2026 Games for Change Festival
Games for Change announced the first wave of speakers for its 23rd annual Festival, themed "Reimagining Play," taking place July 21-22, 2026, in New York City. The event will feature leaders from PBS KIDS, Electronic Arts, Neopets, SYBO, BBC, and more to discuss how games and immersive media can drive social impact and shape real-world connections. Programming includes sessions, a Playtest Lab, the Games for Change Awards, and the G4C Arcade.
Issues and Activism
Games for Change and Tencent have launched Raising Good Gamers, an initiative aimed at assisting families in navigating video games. The program focuses on promoting positive gaming habits and responsible play among younger audiences.
XSOLLA BRINGS ACCESSIBILITY, SOCIAL IMPACT, AND ENTERTAINMENT IP LICENSING WITH XSOLLA AGENCY TO LONDON GAMES FESTIVAL 2026
Xsolla is participating in the London Games Festival 2026 with initiatives focused on gaming accessibility, social impact, and entertainment IP licensing. The company is involved in a charity campaign with Stevenage FC and SpecialEffect to fund accessible gaming setups, will present at the inaugural Games for Change London Summit, and will highlight its Xsolla Agency services for IP licensing at Games Meets Music The B-Side.
Games for Change research director unveils training program for community-facing professionals
Games for Change research director Dr. Rachel Kowert has launched the DLC Leadership Program, a new certification initiative aimed at professionalizing moderation and digital leadership within online gaming communities. The program, designed for community managers, moderators, and digital creators, translates research into practical tools to address issues like harassment and burnout, with industry partners including Riot Games and Roblox contributing to its development.
