Games for Change, a renowned non-profit organization based in New York, is expanding its reach to the UK through a groundbreaking partnership with the London Games Festival. The inaugural Games for Change London Summit, a highly anticipated event, will take place on April 15, 2026, at the prestigious Leonardo Royal Hotel London Tower Bridge. This summit is set to be a pivotal moment in the gaming industry, bringing together a diverse range of professionals, educators, policymakers, and innovators to explore the profound impact of games on society. Curated by the esteemed Video Games Industry Memo editor, George Osborn, the summit promises to be a thought-provoking and insightful experience.
The summit's agenda, developed with the guidance of the Games for Change London advisory board, features a stellar lineup of industry leaders and experts. The advisory board includes influential figures such as Jude Ower, chief strategy officer at Planet Play, James Delaney, founder and managing director of BlockWorks, Sarah Ticho, director of Hatsumi and joint managing director of XR Health Alliance, Phil Stuart, founder and executive creative director of Preloaded, and Deborah Mensah-Bonsu, who has made significant contributions to social impact initiatives at Supercell. These individuals will share their expertise and insights, offering a comprehensive understanding of how games can drive positive social change.
The summit is not just about sharing knowledge; it's also about fostering connections and collaborations. Speaker submissions for the Games for Change London Summit are now open, providing an opportunity for industry professionals to share their unique perspectives and experiences. The deadline for submissions is February 26, 2026, so interested speakers are encouraged to act promptly. The summit aims to create a platform for meaningful discussions, encouraging attendees to explore the potential of games in various social contexts.
The partnership between Games for Change and the London Games Festival is a significant milestone, as it highlights the UK's position as a hub for creativity, innovation, and game development. Michael French, director and head of Games London, emphasizes the importance of this collaboration, stating, 'Games for Change has created a truly global community championing the social impact of games. Bringing the Games for Change Summit to London is a landmark moment for London Games Festival, reflecting the UK's status as a center for creativity, innovation, and game development. We're proud to host its first UK edition.'
Susanna Pollack, president of Games for Change, further emphasizes the significance of this partnership, 'London Games Festival provides the perfect platform for our UK debut. This partnership allows us to connect our global community with London's uniquely diverse talent and ideas, as well as voices from across the UK and Europe, to build meaningful new partnerships around games for impact.' The London Games Festival 2026, which runs from April 13 to April 19, is expected to be a vibrant celebration of the gaming industry, attracting enthusiasts, professionals, and enthusiasts alike.
The Games for Change London Summit is not just an event; it's an opportunity to explore the intersection of games and social impact. By bringing together diverse voices and perspectives, the summit aims to inspire and educate, fostering a community that values the transformative power of games. As the countdown begins, the gaming community eagerly anticipates this groundbreaking event, eager to witness the discussions and collaborations that will shape the future of games and their impact on society.
