Good Game Club Podcast

The latest episode of the Good Game Club podcast features Jessica Murrey, CEO and co-founder of Wicked Saints Studios, an Emmy Award-winning storyteller and former international peacebuilder using games to help young people build confidence, navigate conflict and take action in the real world. As World Reborn prepares for release on May 14th, Jess joins Jude Ower and Mathias Gredal Nørvig to explore how interactive storytelling, behavioural science and real-world quests can turn in-game mastery into real-life self-efficacy. From “common ground activism” to youth wellbeing, kindness, diversity and brand partnerships, this conversation asks what games can become when they do more than entertain.00:00 – Opening Mission Jessica introduces Wicked Saints’ mission to empower the next generation through stories, experiences and action.01:49 – From Peacebuilding to Game Design Jess explains her background in international peacebuilding and how it led to Wicked Saints Studios.03:18 – Why Behaviour Change Needs Experience The aha moment that showed why scenarios, stories and practice can work better than information alone.05:38 – Games, Mastery and Self-Efficacy How game loops can build confidence and help players believe they can make change.07:43 – What Is World Reborn? An interactive mobile story game where real-world quests power progress in the fantasy world.08:58 – Real-World Quests in Action How a Discord-backed active listening mission might guide players from reflection to kindness.11:29 – Avoiding the Broccoli Effect Why Wicked Saints rejects the idea that impact and fun have to be opposites.13:10 – Player Feedback and Early Impact Players report feeling healed, more confident and motivated to take real-world action.16:37 – The Tattoo Method Why social change needs trust, identity and audience-centred storytelling.19:56 – Attack the Problem, Not the Person Jess explains common ground activism and how it reframes conflict.24:19 – Creating a New Game Category The challenge of marketing “adventure activism” and building an audience for something new.28:29 – Verifying Real-World Action How Wicked Saints thinks about trust, proof, community accountability and player motivation.30:18 – The Long-Term Vision A global platform for local and worldwide activations that reduce harm and build collaboration.34:12 – Business Model and Brand Partnerships Why sponsored quests can turn brand engagement into rewards rather than ads.42:34 – Raising Venture Capital as a Black Woman Founder Jess reflects on fundraising, representation and why diversity should be treated as a creative gift.48:17 – Favourite Game and Final Questions Jess chooses Florence, explains how Wicked Saints measures impact, and asks future guests about their hope for the industry.

Recorded live at the Games for Change Summit in London for a special Good Game Club Podcast episode with @sweeetanj  Anjali Bhimani.Together, we’ll explore how games shape storytelling, culture and human connection. This is a live, unscripted conversation about the role games play in our lives, far beyond entertainment, and why they matter more than ever in today’s world.Whether you are part of the games industry, an educator, a parent, or simply curious about the impact of digital play, this session offers a thoughtful and accessible perspective on gaming and its place in modern culture.