Jane McGonigal
2015-10-11

Jane McGonigal on How Video Games Can Make US Superbetter

Gamers rejoice! Bestselling author, video game designer, and TED talk superstar Jane McGonigal stops by to discuss her research on the positive effects of gaming. Jane is a goldmine of science-backed information on how games can fight depression and PTSD, encourage creativity and help to achieve real-world goals. We get personal as Jane shares the struggle with a traumatic brain injury that led her to create the sensationally popular video game and book SuperBetter, which have helped over 500k people live healthier and happier lives. We also cover topics like post-ecstatic growth, finding your passion, turning your life into a game, the importance of struggle, and well-being.

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“Jane McGonigal, PhD is a world-renowned designer of alternate reality games — or, games that are designed to improve real lives and solve real problems. She believes game designers are on a humanitarian mission — and her #1 goal in life is to see a game developer win a Nobel Peace Prize. She is the New York Times bestselling author of Reality is Broken: Why Games Make Us Better and How They Can Change the World (Penguin Press, 2011) — and is the inventor and co-founder of SuperBetter, a game that has helped nearly half a million players tackle real-life health challenges such as depression, anxiety, chronic pain, and traumatic brain injury.” – Blurb taken from http://janemcgonigal.com/meet-me/
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About the guest

Jane McGonigal

Podcast Guest

Jane McGonigal is an American game designer, researcher, and author who advocates the use of games to channel positive attitudes and collaboration in real-world contexts. She is the Director of Game Research and Development at the Institute for the Future and the author of Reality Is Broken and SuperBetter.

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