Games+Learning+Society 12 Conference

Any gathering to shape the field of games for learning would be incomplete without a dialogue about inclusion. A critical opportunity presents itself to the interdisciplinary stakeholders at GLS 12: to discuss ways to promote diversity by amplifying marginalized voices. Telling underrepresented stories helps society rise above the single narratives that dominate the mainstream. As Nigerian novelist Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie (2009) points out, “The consequence of a single story is this: It robs people of their dignity.” Fortunately, games are a powerful storytelling tool. When combined with digital media to create a problem space, games can promote inclusion while exercising players’ critical-thinking skills. Through a Panel featuring three projects in development at MNHS, we propose a dialogue addressing this question: How can organizations leverage gaming to promote inclusion, and how can institutions include gaming in pedagogy?