Games for Change: Designing Games, and Play, with Purpose

In this course, we will examine the role of games as a tool for promoting social change and explore how game design can be used to create meaningful experiences that encourage empathy, understanding, and action.

Games have the power to educate, inspire, and mobilize players around important social issues. As such, game design for social change is a rapidly growing field that requires a combination of technical skills and a deep understanding of social issues.

Throughout the course, we will explore the history and theory of games for social change, examine the impact of games on society, and analyze case studies of successful games for social change. We will also focus on the design process and the different platforms available to create and distribute games for social change.

As part of the course, students will critique games designed for social change, engage with guest speakers who have developed impactful games, and participate in group projects that challenge them to create games addressing complex social issues.

By the end of this course, students will develop a deep understanding of the potential of games as tools for social change and gain the practical skills and knowledge required to create their own games for social impact.

Registration closes on September 15th.

Athugið námskeiðið er kennt á ensku.

-Students will analyze design principles and psychological factors that make games engaging and effective tools for promoting social change.

-Students will gain practical skills in designing games for social change, including identifying target audiences, developing game concepts and mechanics, and testing and iterating on designs based on feedback.

-Students will deepen their understanding of how games and technology platforms can promote social change in areas such as health, climate change, politics, business, STEM/STEAM, and education.

-Students will evaluate the effectiveness of games and technology platforms for promoting social change, considering criteria such as audience engagement, message clarity, and lasting impact.

-Students will strengthen skills in written and oral communication, including presenting clear and well-supported arguments, using appropriate language and tone for different audiences, and citing sources effectively.

-Meetings via Zoom.

-Sessions are recorded and available for later viewing.

-Assignments and group discussions are accessible online.

Materials

-Case studies of impactful tabletop and video games.

-Articles and readings on game design and the use of games to promote social change.

-Short videos or presentations from game designers and game conferences.

Teaching Approach

-Interactive discussions analyzing existing games for change.

-Case studies of games addressing issues like climate change, mental health, and education.

-Hands-on activities for conceptualizing and pitching socially impactful games.

-Written assignments exploring the role of games in areas like climate change, education, health, government, and social issues.

Open to all learners. No prior experience required.

-Course Start: September 22nd

-Duration: 3 weeks

-Frequency: Three 2-hour sessions per week.

-Week 1: September 22nd, September 23rd, and September 24th, from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM.

-Week 2: September 29th, September 30th, and October 1st, from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM.

-Week 3: October 6th, October 7th, and October 8th, from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM.

-Total Hours: Approximately 6–8 hours weekly.

Dr. Wanda Gregory has worked in the game industry with companies such as Wizards of the Coast (known for Magic: The Gathering, Pokémon, and Dungeons & Dragons), Hasbro Inc., Xbox Live, and various game startups. A two-time Fulbright awardee, she has taught at institutions including Reykjavik University, the University of Dundee in Scotland, and the University of Washington. Her work focuses on the potential of games as tools for storytelling, community building, and social change. With a career spanning the game industry, academic research, and international teaching, Dr. Gregory offers a distinct perspective on the intersection of games, culture, and purpose.

The course fee is 39.000 ISK.