Fatshimetrie: The emergence of games for change
The world of video games, often perceived as simple entertainment, is experiencing a significant evolution with the advent of “games for change” or “impact games”. These games, designed to raise awareness and provoke positive changes in society, are attracting growing interest among players and creators.
This new trend, catalyzed by initiatives such as Games for Change Africa, is part of a desire to rethink the power of video games as a tool for engagement and social transformation. Figures such as Glenn Gillis, founder of Sea Monster and a fervent defender of this innovative approach, have largely contributed to energizing this movement and demonstrating its full scope.
At the recent Fak’ugesi Festival in Johannesburg, the workshop led by Glenn Gillis opened new perspectives on the potential of games for change. At the center of the discussions: the design of games with a social purpose, based on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Participants were able to experiment with pragmatic design approaches, striving to create games that can inspire concrete actions.
Through brainstorming exercises, innovative ideas emerged, highlighting the ability of games for change to provoke deep reflections and foster significant behavioral changes. A concrete example of this approach is the concept of a mobile game focused on community support and mental health promotion, offering a colorful and safe interactive space. Players are thus encouraged to complete tasks related to real solutions, promoting exchange, learning and mutual support.
Glenn Gillis’ vision of the potential of games as a tool for engagement is not only an observation, but a true affirmation of the transformative power of video games. Games offer a unique immersion in active problem-solving processes, stimulating participation, empathy and reflection. Where other forms of communication may fail, games are able to create lasting change.
In a broader context, the call for African innovation in gaming for change is a powerful catalyst for change. Glenn Gillis emphasizes Africa’s role as a leader in redefining the possibilities of video games. He highlights the wealth of talent and ideas on the continent, calling for these resources to be valued and for African voices to be more represented in global narratives.
In conclusion, the rise of gaming for change opens new horizons in the field of video games, revealing their full potential as a tool for education, awareness-raising and mobilization. Far from being simple entertainment, these games position themselves as vectors of social transformation, engaging players in participatory and constructive approaches for a better world. The movement in favor of “impact games” is only in its infancy, raising essential questions about the role and responsibility of game creators in building a more engaged and united society.