Session Overview
This session explores the intersection of international relations and game development. By examining successful cross-border initiatives, attendees will learn how game jams and collaborative frameworks can establish communities of social impact, bridge cultural divides, and foster creative praxis on a global scale.
Session Speakers
GDC Game Jams & Summits for Diplomacy Links
Additional Reading
Global Games Education Now Journal Series in the ACM Journal of Games: Research and Practice - Grace, L
- Siddhartha Paul Tiwari and Lindsay D. Grace. 2024. Observations and Reflections on the Gaming Landscape in South East Asia. ACM Games 1, 4, Article 27 (December 2023), 4 pages. https://doi.org/10.1145/3632286
- Guven Catak. 2025. Gaming Industry in Türkiye Through the Lens of Education. ACM Games 3, 3, Article 14 (September 2025), 3 pages. https://doi.org/10.1145/3723350
- Péter Makai. 2026. Humility Is Not Optional: When Teaching Shades Into Pastoral Care. ACM Games Just Accepted (February 2026). https://doi.org/10.1145/3799900
- Nandhini Giri. 2026. Opinion Paper Type: The Need for Pedagogical Approaches in Cross-cultural Design Practices in the US Midwest. ACM Games Just Accepted (February 2026). https://doi.org/10.1145/3797486
Doing Things with Games: Social Impact through Play (2019) - Grace, L.
Resource Site | ISBN: 9781138367265
Resource Site | ISBN: 9781138367265
Game Engine for Change (2025) - Grace, L. (DIGRA, Malta)
Video Games in "Practicing Digital Ethnography" (2026) - Grace, L.D.
Game Jam Diplomacy (2025) - Grace, L. (ISEA, Seoul)
Transformative Experience of Game Jams (2025) - Grace, L., ∓ Sekhon, V. (HICSS)
Learning Through Play (2024) - Grace, L and V. Sekhon (IEEE GEM) | doi: 10.1109/GEM61861.2024.10585591
Patterns of Games for Leading Social Change (2024) - Grace, L. (Journal of Leadership Studies). https://doi.org/10.1002/jls.21880
Cultural Game Jams with Youth (2025) - Eriksson, E., et al. (CHI EA '25)
Related Event News and Press
IGN Southeast Asia (2022): ‘Games Bagus’ Initiative empowering Malaysian creators
BFM 89.5 (2022): Games Bagus Radio Feature, Kuala Lumpur
The Star (2022): US Embassy lends a helping hand to Malaysian creators
Astro Awana (2022/2023): Driving positive social impact through games (Television)
Yomiuri Shimbun (2024): Kansei Economy & Technological Innovation
News 18: 48 Hour Game Jam at Anant University