Tales of Impact: Game Development Drives Social Change in Africa

In this episode, Tom Leonard talks with Glenn Gillis and Bella Rogerson from Sea Monster and Games for Change Africa. They discuss the power of games to create social impact and drive change. They also talk about the role of storytelling in games and the importance of collaboration within the gaming industry. The conversation highlights the work of Games for Change Africa in promoting impactful games and supporting game developers in Africa. Overall, the episode emphasizes the potential of games to change lives and the need for a global community to share knowledge and resources.

The conversation explores the impact of AI on storytelling and the creative process. It discusses the potential of AI to disrupt the means of production and make creative content creation more efficient. However, it emphasizes that AI is unlikely to replace the human ability to empathize and understand the emotional journey of users. The conversation also highlights the importance of human struggle in creativity and the unique value that humans bring to the artistic process. It concludes with a call to engage with the gaming community and use games as a platform for positive social impact.

Takeaways

Games have the power to create social impact and drive change.

Storytelling is a crucial element in games and can help engage players and convey meaningful messages.

Collaboration and knowledge-sharing within the gaming industry are essential for growth and innovation.

Awards and recognition can provide credibility and visibility to game developers and their impactful projects. AI has the potential to disrupt the means of production and make creative content creation more efficient.

While AI can enhance certain aspects of storytelling, it is unlikely to replace the human ability to empathize and understand the emotional journey of users.

The human struggle and reflection in the creative process are essential for creating truly unique and resonant experiences.

Independent games have a unique ability to bring social impact and incorporate diverse perspectives into the gaming industry.

Africa represents a significant opportunity for growth and innovation in the gaming industry.

A positive outlook and a strong sense of community are crucial for driving change and making a difference in the gaming industry.

 

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Featured in this episode:

Glenn Gillis:

Glenn is a seasoned entrepreneur with 25 years of experience as a senior executive and consultant in the creative industries. He is an expert on the role that technology plays in storytelling and a thought-leader on how impact games and immersive technologies (AR & VR) can be used to build brands and drive effective learning outcomes in Africa and beyond. Prior to Sea Monster, Glenn served as the General Manager at two of South Africa’s leading film and animation companies: Moonlighting Film Services and Clockwork Zoo - Africa’s largest animation studio at the time.

Email: mailto: [e-mail]

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gillisglenn/

Website: https://www.seamonster.co.za

Bella Rogerson:

Equipped with a Master’s Degree in film from the University of Cape Town, Bella Rogerson leads the marketing department of Sea Monster with a keen understanding of the local creative industries and a passion for storytelling. With her skills in strategic planning and a deep love for research, Bella plays a pivotal role in shaping and executing the marketing and brand building initiatives of Sea Monster.

Email: mailto: [e-mail]

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/arabella-rogers