GDC 2025 Session Viewer
Creating Real World Heroes: Leveraging Games to Positively Activate Audiences
Wonder Stormbreaker (Head of Studio Marketing, Undead Labs)
Jenny Lamping (National Marketing Director, American Red Cross)
Jordan Grainger (Social Impact Marketing Manager, Xbox)
Pass Type: All Access Pass, Core Pass, Summits Pass, Expo Pass, Audio Pass, Indie Games Summit Pass - Get your pass now!
Track: Advocacy
Format: Lecture
Vault Recording: TBD
Audience Level: All
How can an M-rated zombie apocalypse game inspire players to save lives in the real world? Join Jordan Grainger of Xbox Social Impact, Wonder Stormbreaker of Undead Labs and Jenny Lamping of the American Red Cross as they discuss how to leverage the power of a passionate audience to enact positive real-world change through in and out of game experiences. The unique connection between the storyline of State of Decay 2 and the mission of the American Red Cross built an authentic philanthropic opportunity to donate blood that SOD2 players loved. Using the story of this innovative partnership as a case study, they will showcase the strength of leveraging gaming content for social impact causes. Attendees will leave with practical tips, best practices and resources that they can use within their own studios and games to create meaningful social impact moments with their communities.
Takeaway
Attendees will learn how in-game content can inspire and empower players to positively act on real-world issues, and how to design and execute successful social impact initiatives that align with their brand, game content, audience, and goals.
Intended Audience
This session is intended for any gaming industry professional who is interested in learning more about how to activate their audience for real world impact by creating authentic nonprofit partnerships.
