Speakers

Bob De Schutter (MFA, PhD) is an award-winning game designer, researcher, educator, author, and advocate for meaningful play in later life. As a Professor of Game Design at Northeastern University, jointly appointed in the College of Arts, Media and Design and the Khoury College of Computer Sciences, he leads initiatives on games for age-friendly game design, intergenerational play, and health, and directs Northeastern's graduate program in Game Science and Design. His talks and publications, such as his upcoming book "Games for Grownups: Why older players are the future of games, and how to make better games for them", challenge stereotypes of older players and explore how games can support health, learning, social connection, and help people flourish throughout life. He has delivered invited presentations and refereed talks worldwide, including at GDC, SXSW, CES, GAConf and many other industry events. His creative portfolio includes Brukel, a biographical game that received multiple international awards and was exhibited at the Smithsonian American Art Museum Arcade among other venues. He is the founder and past chair of the Gerontoludic Society, a lifetime member of the International Game Developers Association and IndieCade, and a frequent advisor to industry and non-profits on age-friendly design.

Presenting:

• Games for Players Over 50 Microtalks
• Level 50+: Navigating Game Careers Beyond Midlife