In an exciting development for the gaming community, Games for Change has officially announced a partnership with the London Games Festival. This collaboration marks a significant moment as it brings the inaugural Games for Change London Summit to the UK, scheduled for April 15, 2026.
Based in New York, Games for Change is a nonprofit organization dedicated to leveraging the power of games for social good. The upcoming summit will be thoughtfully curated by George Osborn, the editor of Video Games Industry Memo, and will take place at the Leonardo Royal Hotel London Tower Bridge.
This summit promises to be a dynamic gathering, uniting professionals from various sectors—including industry leaders, educators, policymakers, and innovators—all focused on examining how video games can drive positive social change. But here's where it gets controversial: the impact of games on society often sparks debate. Are games merely entertainment, or do they hold the potential to influence real-world issues?
The agenda for this pivotal event has been shaped with the assistance of the Games for Change London advisory board, featuring notable figures such as Jude Ower, the Chief Strategy Officer at Planet Play; James Delaney, founder and Managing Director of BlockWorks; Sarah Ticho, director of Hatsumi and joint Managing Director of XR Health Alliance; Phil Stuart, founder and Executive Creative Director of Preloaded; and Deborah Mensah-Bonsu from Supercell, focusing on social impact initiatives.
Those interested in contributing to the discussions at the Games for Change London Summit are encouraged to submit speaker proposals. The submission period is currently open and will close on February 26, 2026. For those who wish to participate, they can find the submission form here.
Michael French, the director of the London Games Festival and head of Games London, expressed enthusiasm about this collaboration, stating, "Games for Change has built a truly global community advocating for the social impact of games. Hosting the Games for Change Summit in London is a historic moment for the London Games Festival, underscoring the UK's reputation as a hub of creativity, innovation, and game development. We are thrilled to welcome its first UK edition."
Adding to this sentiment, Susanna Pollack, the president of Games for Change, remarked, "The London Games Festival offers an ideal stage for our debut in the UK. This partnership enables us to connect our global network with the rich diversity of talent and ideas found in London, along with voices from across the UK and Europe. Together, we aim to forge meaningful new partnerships centered on impactful gaming."
The broader London Games Festival 2026 is set to take place from April 13 to April 19, promising to be an exciting week for gamers and industry stakeholders alike. What are your thoughts on the role of games in driving social change? Do you think they can truly make a difference? Share your perspectives in the comments!
