ThinkIndie: Games and Politics: Where Do We Stand? (Town Hall and Panel)

'''ThinkIndie: Games and Politics: Where Do We Stand? (Town Hall and Panel)''' is a talk currently scheduled to appear at IndieCade 2017.

Summary
Even when they seem to be "just for fun," games can never be separated from culture; they shape and are shaped by the society around us. For this reason, games are also political. Today, in our current moment of political turbulence, it has never been more important for game makers and game players alike to confront the hard questions about the relationship between games, play, power, activism, and oppression.

In this session, a diverse group of game designers and academics will explore some of these questions. How should games engage with politics? For those who are committed to social justice, what are the challenges to making games in the current political regime? Can games be a force for social change? How do we overcome resistance to political engagement within games culture and encourage others to explore the medium's full political potential?

The speaker panel will be followed by an open community Q&amp;A and discussion. Those interested in continuing the conversation are also encouraged to attend the afternoon breakout session, Games and Politics: Taking Action.