Serious Games and Social Change

Wanda Gregory, PhD teaches courses in media studies and interactive media design. She was founding director of the Center for Serious Play and has worked extensively in the media industry for such companies as Corbis Corporation, Sierra Online, Wizards of the Coast, Hasbro, Xbox Live, along with several game start ups. Dr. Gregory has a M.B.A. from the University of Washington Foster School of Business, a M.A. in Communications from the University of Washington and a PhD from University College Dublin where her research was situated at the intersection of games studies, education, and medical informatics. She has served as an advisor and on the board of trustees for organizations including: Cornish School of the Arts, On the Boards, Powerful Voices and Reel Girls. She is a formative advisor for several technology and educational startups.

CENTERING WISDOM

1. Reflection: What is the first game you remember playing? What was the purpose of the game?

2. Reflection: Dr. Gregory points out that college is like a type of game, with grades and assignments serving as a sort of quest and level ups. How is this narrative helpful in understanding the human experience?

3. Activity: Come up with a list of popular games (any kind) that are commonly played and consider the themes and lessons from them? Why are they popular?

CHECK OUT THESE LINKS

How Video Games Helped Her Battle Depression Links to an external site.  Links to an external site.

Why Video Games Shouldn't Freak Parents Out Links to an external site.

The Best Board Games of the Ancient World Links to an external site.