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March 9-13, 2026
Moscone CenterSan Francisco, CA

Agenda

How Tabletop Games Could Help Us Improve the Pro-Social Design of Digital Games

Robert Hornbek  (Board of Directors at TIGG, Thriving in Games Group)
Location: Room 2014, West Hall
Date: Monday, March 9
Time: 3:10 pm - 3:40 pm
Pass Type: Festival Pass, Game Changer Pass - Get your pass now!
Audience Level: All
Track: Design, Culture & Sustainability
Format: Lecture
Vault Recording: Video
Audience Level: All

Robert believes there is a lot digital game creators can learn from tabletop games. In this session Robert will present a number of player dynamics found in tabletop gaming that provide unique insight into pro-social behavior specifically. And will offer his perspective on how those lessons could help digital game developers create more pro-social experiences and communities for their own games.

Takeaway

Tabletop games offer strong models for pro-social design. Player dynamics can teach digital creators how to encourage cooperation, positive interaction, and community-minded play.

These lessons can improve digital game communities. Applying tabletop-inspired design principles can help developers build healthier player experiences and more supportive communities.

Intended Audience

All are welcome, especially digital game developers, designers, community managers, and live-ops teams should attend to learn how tabletop-inspired player dynamics can help them create more pro-social experiences and healthier game communities.