Advocacy group Games for Change has revealed the finalists in the 2024 Games for Change Awards, an event designed to highlight the power of games as “drivers for social impact.” Each of the games nominated focuses on deep themes of identity and culture, and tells a story designed to resonate with audiences and drive conversations.
There’s games about history and its impact, current events, the need for freedom and independence, and about the impact of global warming. Inkle’s A Highland Song has received two nominations, and Australia’s own Stray Gods: The Roleplaying Musical has also picked up a nomination for Best in Innovation.
Games for Change has celebrated all of its nominees within its announcement, calling the response to this year’s entry callout “overwhelming.”
“[It’s] a testament to the incredible potential of games and immersive experiences to make a difference in the world,” Susanna Pollack, Games for Change President said. “From the record-breaking number of submissions to the diverse range of countries represented, it’s clear that game developers are increasingly recognising the power of their medium to tackle pressing social issues and create meaningful change.”
The annual Games for Change Awards 2024 will take place on 27 June 2024.
Games for Change Awards 2024: Finalists
Here’s the full list of finalists for the Games for Change Awards 2024.
BEST IN INNOVATION
- A Highland Song – inkle
- Stay Alive, My Son Chapter 1 & 2 – Ume Studios
- Stray Gods: The Roleplaying Musical – Summerfall Studios
BEST IN CIVICS
- We. The Refugees: Ticket to Europe – Act Zero
- Sibel’s Journey – Food for Thought Media
- Headlines and High Water – Field Day Lab
BEST IN ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
- Loddlenaut – Moon Lagoon
- Wake: Tales from the Aqualab – Field Day Learning Games
- The Plastic Pipeline – FableVision
BEST IN HEALTH & WELLNESS
- Teach Your Monster Adventurous Eating – Teach Your Monster
- Sóóó Exhausting – Open Concept
- Soulpaint – Improvive
BEST IN IMPACT
- Headlines and High Water – Field Day Lab
- Stay Alive, My Son Chapter 1 & 2 – UME Studios
- American Arcadia – Out of the Blue Games
BEST IN LEARNING
- Outbreak READY 2!: Thisland in Crisis – &ranj
- Give As We Grow – FableVision
- Headlines and High Water – Field Day Lab
BEST IN XR
- MLK: Now Is The Time – Flight School Studio, TIME Studios, Meta VR For Good
- Origen – Presencias
- Maya: The Birth of a Superhero – Just Another Production Company
BEST NARRATIVE
- Torn Away – perelesoq
- Stay Alive, My Son Chapter 1 & 2 – UME Studios
- American Arcadia – Out of the Blue Games
BEST STUDENT PROJECT
- It’s Ukraine – Not a Game – Various Students
- Stop and Breathe – One Must Imagine Games
- PacaPomo – Saturday Boys
BEST GAMEPLAY
- A Highland Song – inkle
- Chants of Sennaar – Rundisc
- Jusant – DON’T NOD
