The Upside of Gaming

In the final episode of The Upside of Gaming series, I had the incredible opportunity to speak with none other than Deborah Mensah-Bonsu about the social impact of video games. Deborah has led and contributed to a wide range of initiatives that use the power of games for social good. We talk about her work on Green Game Jam, Playing for the Planet, in-game campaigns, and many more! What stood out most is how game developers are actively empowering players to make a difference and encouraging real-world action through in-game experiences. Producer and Host: Marta Kostrzewa Linkedin Guest: Deborah Mensah-Bonsu Linkedin, Games for Good Artist: Sheheryar Ahmed Instagram, Art Station Composer: Steed YouTube

I am joined by Chris Peak, who is an assistive technology consultant, and he develops communication tools and multi-sensory experiences to enhance accessibility for people with SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities). He is specialising in eye-gaze technology and creating and using video games as a rehabilitation tool. Producer and Host: Marta Kostrzewa Linkedin Guest: Chris Peak Linkedin, The Apogee Project Artist: Sheheryar Ahmed Instagram, Art Station Composer: Steed YouTube

Dr Matthieu Poyade from The Glasgow School of Art tells us how video games and simulations are transforming medical training. We are focusing our conversation on the intersection of gaming, innovation, and healthcare - from advanced surgical skill development to creative approaches like teaching anatomy to children through baking. Producer and Host: Marta Kostrzewa Linkedin Guest: Dr. Matthieu Poyade Linkedin, The Glasgow School of Art Artist: Sheheryar Ahmed Instagram, Art Station Composer: Steed YouTube

In this episode I am talking to Marcia Deakin and Gina Jackson about the power of games to change people’s lives. Marcia and Gina are masters at facilitating and creating brave, supportive spaces. At the heart of the workshops they run is a deceptively simple challenge to create a board game with a team of strangers. Sounds easy—until it is not. One of the highlights of our conversation, for me, is the games workshop they delivered for young offenders at HM Prison Isis. Producer and Host: Marta Kostrzewa Linkedin Guest: Marcia Deakin Linkedin Gina Jackson OBE Linkedin Artist: Sheheryar Ahmed Instagram, Art Station Composer: Steed YouTube

Kyösti Koskela from Clever Simulation Entertainment operating under Kajaani University in Finland tells us about Exergames - games that combine video games and physical activity. He also shares insights into two projects: SPEX and SPOKI, both promoting sports for children. Producer and Host: Marta Kostrzewa Linkedin Guest: Kyösti Koskela Linkedin Artist: Sheheryar Ahmed Instagram, Art Station Composer: Steed YouTube

Kerri Thornton tells us how games and VR can support our mental health and how they are being used in various NHS projects, such as helping surgeons to improve their bedside manners. She also explains the concept of “serious games”. Producer and Host: Marta Kostrzewa Linkedin Guest: Kerri Thornton The Glasgow School of Art, Linkedin Artist: Sheheryar Ahmed Instagram, Art Station Composer: Steed YouTube

Lee Willows tells us how esports and virtual reality can help combat loneliness and social isolation; lower the risk of dementia and provide education around strokes. Producer and Host: Marta Kostrzewa Linkedin Guest: Lee Willows Community Care Gaming, Linkedin Artist: Sheheryar Ahmed Instagram, Art Station Composer: Steed YouTube

James Fraser-Murison takes us through the basics of esports and shows us just how big the industry really is. He also answers a very important question: how esports and gaming can help build stronger communities. Producer and Host: Marta Kostrzewa Linkedin Guest: James Fraser-Murison Fraser Esports Artist: Sheheryar Ahmed Instagram, Art Station Composer: Steed YouTube

The Upside of Gaming is an 8-episode series that dives into the positive power of video games. Whether it is building careers, boosting mental health, or connecting communities, gaming has far more to offer than most people realise. Producer and Host: Marta Kostrzewa Linkedin Artist: Sheheryar Ahmed Instagram, Art Station Composer: Steed YouTube