Speaker Submissions

We're calling on the global G4C community to submit session ideas for the 2026 Games for Change Festival!

This year, our theme is "Reimagining Play," exploring how play has evolved beyond games into a dynamic space for experimentation, collaboration, and creative exploration. Play allows us to learn, iterate, and envision new futures—immersing people in environments where complex issues can be understood more deeply, new perspectives can take root, and innovative solutions can flourish.
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Key Dates:
Submission Open: December 16, 2025
Submission Deadline: February 2, 2026
Festival: July 21 - 22, 2025
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Session Formats:
Talk: 20-minute sessions where 1-2 speakers discuss a topic or subject area of interest to the G4C community.
Panel: 45-minute sessions with 4-5 speakers. One speaker will act as the moderator and lead the discussion.
Workshop: 45-minute sessions will help attendees explore the reimagining play theme through a balanced mix of presentation and audience engagement. Workshops will focus on the "how-to" and provide attendees with tangible tools and outcomes to take with them.
Topic Tables: 45-minute small-group sessions provide a platform for participants to connect with subject matter experts, delve deeper into subjects they are passionate about, share insights, and connect with like-minded individuals in a more focused session.
*NEW* Playtest Lab: 30-minute sessions that give creators the opportunity to gather feedback on early-stage immersive works focused on accessibility or inclusivity.
*NEW* Suggest a New Session Format (45 mins): Have an idea that doesn't fit the usual format? This category is for you. We're looking for bold, original, or experimental session types that push the boundaries of how people learn, connect, or experience immersive storytelling and social impact. Use this option if your proposed session doesn't align neatly with our listed formats (like workshops, panels, or showcases) but still offers an engaging, interactive, or thought-provoking experience for participants.
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