The 22nd annual Games for Change (G4C) Festival is set to take place on June 26-27, 2025, at the Parsons School of Design in New York City. This premier global event has been a hub for game developers, creators, educators, and social innovators for over two decades, all united by the belief in the power of games and immersive media to drive real-world change.
This year’s theme, “Designing for Tomorrow,” will delve into how games and immersive media can foster collaboration across generations, perspectives, and sectors. Attendees will engage in keynotes, panels, workshops, and networking opportunities centered around three primary tracks: Games & Learning, Civics & Social Issues, and Health & Wellbeing. XR programming will be seamlessly integrated throughout all tracks.
A new addition to this year’s festival is the Masterclass series on June 25. Industry leaders and game design experts will lead in-depth learning sessions, offering participants the chance to learn from high-profile gaming professionals. Topics will include in-platform game development, the power of play and design, and securing funding, with sessions tailored specifically for the G4C community.
The Games for Change Awards ceremony on June 26 will celebrate excellence in social impact games and immersive media. Categories include Most Significant Impact, Best in Innovation, and Best Narrative, among others. This year, a new category, “Best Platform-Based Project,” will recognize impactful games and immersive experiences created within established gaming platforms like Minecraft, Roblox, or Fortnite Creative, leveraging built-in tools and communities to drive meaningful social impact.
“For 22 years, the Games for Change Festival has been a meeting ground for cross-sector innovation in games and immersive media,” said Susanna Pollack, President of Games for Change. “As our industry continues to evolve, we’re expanding our programming to meet the moment. Our new Masterclass series and enhanced awards program reflect the growth and excitement of our sector. We’re thrilled to return to Parsons, where we can build on this momentum and foster the next wave of collaboration and innovation.”
Speaker and Award submissions are open until February 5, 2025. For more information, visit the festival’s official website.
