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| (Image Source: GamesIndustry.biz/Games For Change) |
Games For Change (G4C), the largest nonprofit championing games and immersive media for social impact, recently announced more speakers who will headline the 23rd annual G4C Festival, taking place on July 21-22, 2026 at The Glasshouse in New York City. These speakers join a lineup built around the theme "Reimagining Play" – shaping how we experience the world, connect, and drive real-world impact by bringing global humanitarian response, player wellbeing, and purpose-driven studios into the same conversation.
Newly announced speakers include:
• Amelia "Cara" Avery, Zynga Games/Take Two Interactive Senior Manager for Global Inclusion & Impact
• Ahmed Best, AlfoRithm Futures Group Co-Founder
• Nicholas Fortugno, City College of New York Director of Digital Game Development
• Kristoffer Gandrup Marino, UNICEF Solutions Senior Advisor for Innovation
• Danny Marti, Tencent Head of Public Affairs and Global Policy
• Jeanny Pak, New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC) Interim President and CEO
• Lisa Pak, Playing For The Planet Head of Operations
• Darko Petrovic, UN World Food Programme (WFP) Business Development Lead (Gaming, Sport, Media, Entertainment)
• Martina Santoro, Annapurna Executive Producer for New Media
• Cristina Shapiro, UNICEF USA Chief Strategy Officer and President
• Robert Steen of The Remarkable Life of Ibelin
• Patricia Vance, Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) President
• Risa Ward, Crisis Textline Senior Vice President of Operations
• SJ Xue, thatgamecompany Head of Corporate Development
These speakers join previously announced panels and keynotes with PBS KIDS' Sara DeWitt on the future of children's media, Schell Games CEO Jesse Schell on game innovation, Dr. Rachel Kowert on healthy play, and leaders from EA, Neopets, SYBO, and BBC R&D exploring what's next for interactive experiences. “The breadth of voices coming together at this year's Festival reflects how rapidly games are being recognized as a powerful platform for impact. We're seeing leaders from across industries embrace play not as a niche activity, but as a catalyst for innovation and meaningful change. This year's program is designed to spark the collaborations and ideas that will shape what's next," said G4C President Susanna Pollack.
The Festival program runs across several formats beyond talks and panels. The Playtest Lab, new this year, connects creators of early-stage games and immersive works with review panels that give structured feedback on accessibility and inclusive design. Topic Tables return for small-group discussions on current issues in the field, and the G4C Arcade lets attendees play featured titles across both days. The Games For Change Awards ceremony will take place on July 21, 2026 at 6:30 pm with recognition for the year's standout games and immersive projects. The main stage of the event, plus the Awards, will be streamed live on the Games for Change Twitch channel.
Tickets to the 23rd annual G4C Festival are available until July 21, 2026 with discounts offered for nonprofits, educators, and students. View the full Festival lineup and register at festival.gamesforchange.org.
