Gaming & innovation

What can games and game design teach us about making the world a better place?

You might have heard that the scientific name for human beings is Homo sapiens, which means ‘wise man’. But have you heard of Homo Ludens? In this fun and interactive gaming and play workshop, you’ll have the chance to get hands-on with what it means, and how the concept can be an essential part of making your social impact organisation more effective.

Homo Ludens, a term coined in 1938 by Dutch historian and cultural theorist Johan Huizinga, means playing human. Huizinga wrote about the essential nature of play in being human and in helping humans better find their way in the world. Which is exactly why games and opportunities to be playful help teams work better together; better plan fundraising, marketing, and advocacy strategies; better execute day-to-day work for social change.

During the workshop, you will discover unique games that inform, teach, and improve focus to create better fundraisers and more effective nonprofits. In addition, you’ll get to listen to, interact with, and learn from leading female and non-binary game designers. You’ll also get to create your own character card, a personalised takeaway to help you understand more about yourself.

Who is it for?

All social change staff and volunteers

Learning outcomes

Understand the role of play in being human and how to better use it in personal and professional settings
Learn new ways of thinking and looking at the world to discover new ways of planning how to overcome some of your personal and professional obstacles
Discover nonprofit-specific games to use back in your office