Topic Tables (Day 1) 

In an increasingly polarised world, we need innovative, scalable and pragmatic solutions to problems we can't wish away. Impact games are ready to take centre stage and it would be presumptive to assume that these solutions will only come from developed countries. In most of the global South, innovation isn't a luxury, it's an absolute necessity as we find ways to turn the digital divide into a digital dividend. Join leading experts from the global South as we discuss ways we can use games to increase digital literacy, drive entrepreneurship, and scale the teaching of socio-emotional skills. This session will be particularly useful to anyone interested in launching a new G4C chapter, stakeholders in the impact space, and those who know that games can deliver real solutions to real problems.

Games can act as connective tissue to reach across generations -- whether that's between parents and children, siblings, educators to students, or even cross-generation friends -- to call in, create conversation, and facilitate understanding. We want to kickstart these conversations with real world examples, as well as prompts for parents, educators, and players alike to use in their gaming sessions.

Since 2024, Drew Davidson has been conducting an exploratory qualitative study on the international field of play. Through questionnaires, in-depth interviews, and community participation, he has been exploring the current state of the field around play, specifically in games and related areas, he concept of play is rather broad and diverse; from social studies, to heath and enjoyment, to education and learning, to games and technology, and more. In this topic table, we will share stories from this wide field of play in the global relationships amongst groups focused on the creative and entertainment technology industries.

This session will explore the collaborative efforts to establish international sites utilizing Unreal Editor for Fortnite in the G4C Student Challenge, focusing on the theme of Outplay Hunger. We will discuss the planning around these sites' individual game jams, the innovative potential of Unreal Editor, and the role of game jams in addressing global challenges such as hunger. Additionally, the panel will highlight the advantages of international collaboration and examine future opportunities to expand these initiatives, aiming to create a positive social impact through gaming.

Join the G4C Türkiye team for a session focused on the impact games ecosystem in Türkiye and beyond! The session will explore best practices for establishing and running a chapter, as well as the importance of social impact in game development, with insights on fostering local and regional collaboration.

Explore how game design helps reimagine STEM futures for the next generation. Learn how Urban Arts' Game On program, in partnership with Unity, is engaging students in AP Computer Science—and join a conversation on equity, creativity, and pathways into tech careers.