Mindless Players Beware: These Video Games Have Social Impact

Games for Change

Those who say video games can't change the world probably haven't been to the the annual Games for Change Festival. Last month, DoSomething.org nabbed exclusive tickets to the three-day conference centered on games that have social impact. The event was filled with geeks' version of celebs—game designers, nonprofit leaders, and former Vice President Al Gore.

Mr. Gore talked about how, despite stereotypes, video games can be as influential as film, TV, and music. People can use gaming to help further solutions to global problems, such as the climate change (check out our game eMission as an example).

The majority of games that we saw were targeted to the 13 - 17 year old demographic. Panel discussions and presentations ranged widely in topic, from the best ways to use games in the classroom to Farmville's recent charitable campaign which donated money to Japan relief in exchange for in-game rewards.

Some of our favorite games we viewed include:

  • Evoke, a superhero-themed game that empowers youth in Africa to work together to complete urgent “missions” in their communities
  • Macon Money allows Macon, Georgia, residents to use a new, local currency that support small business.
  • Find the Future and Brain: The Inside Story are both social and multimedia games trying out new ways of getting people engaged with public institutions, such as libraries and museums.

What Can You Do?

Young people anywhere can design and create their own games using tools like GameMaker, Game Salad, and Python Python.

Play DoSomething.org's games for social good:

al gore