Room to Play: Who Gets to Shape Play, and How More People Step Into It
Play is no longer just entertainment; it’s a powerful pathway into creativity, learning, and opportunity. From coding and storytelling to game design and facilitation, more people are beginning to explore how they can move beyond playing into actively creating and contributing.
Games for Change Hong Kong is delighted to host two global leaders in the education and games communities, for an intimate gathering exploring how these pathways can open up. What does it take to enter the world of games? How can play be used more intentionally in classrooms, communities, and beyond? And what skills help people move between both worlds?
Through real-world examples and interactive moments, we’ll unpack how people can step into play as creators, facilitators, and changemakers—and what it takes to build more accessible, empowering pathways for them to do so.
Our Speakers
Nissie Arcega is a producer, community organizer, and game maker who loves indie games and the people who make them. She organizes mentorship programs, game jams, and other initiatives to help Southeast Asian game developers share their games to the world. Currently building up the publishing arm of Philippine studio Monstronauts, Nissie is also on the Women in Games Asia Leadership Committee, among many other roles. She considers her 100% achievement save file of Stardew Valley one of her greatest accomplishments.
Jen Chiou is an educator, entrepreneur, and advocate for creativity and social connection in a tech-driven world. She is the founder of CodeSpeak Labs, which has taught over 25,000 students to code, and Quest Craft, a program she designed with her two sons that uses role-playing games to help kids build social skills in schools, libraries, and community centers. Quest Craft fosters creativity and empathy, immerses students in diverse cultures, and can be aligned with K-12 academic standards.
(Moderator and Host) Vince Siu is the Founding Curator of Games for Change Hong Kong, Asia’s first local chapter of the global Games for Change movement, which spotlights the power and potential of games and interactive media for education and social impact. Through Press Start Academy & Studios, he has worked at the intersection of education, design, and interactive media over the past 10 years.
Notes:
Attendance policy: We have a maximum capacity of 25, with a waitlist that we will be keeping. If you are unable to join us, please release your RSVP so other members of the community can attend.
Minimum one drink: This event is free to attend, with generous support from our hosts Serene Coffee & Wine. We ask that each participant purchase at least one drink as thanks for their support. Small bites are available onsite as well.
Charity partner: With our shared values of access, equity, and empowerment, we are proud to welcome Room to Read as our Charity Partner for this event. While not a must, we encourage you to donate to Room to Read to support their mission of making literacy and reading accessible to children around the world. Donation pathways will be shared at the event.