Immersive Worlds: Wellbeing and Escapism Through Gaming

What’s on offer?

Fancy a game? Join us for an evening of gaming and talks from industry experts and academics on how video games shape our perception of reality, influence mental health, and offer a refuge from everyday life. This event will explore the intersection of video games, wellbeing, and escapism and will feature a series of short talks by experts in the social sciences and the gaming industry. The talks will be followed by a panel discussion, where speakers will explore the societal and ethical implications of gaming. The event will take place at Sliced and Diced gaming café where attendees will have the opportunity to network and play games. 

What’s it about?

This event will explore the impact of video games on our mental wellbeing and how they serve as a form of escapism. Attendees will gain insights into the ways games shape our understanding of reality, influence emotional health, and reflect broader societal issues. The event will address key questions such as: How do video games affect our mental health? What ethical responsibilities do game developers and players hold? How do different types of games—from military simulations to indie creations—affect our perceptions of identity, agency, and conflict? 

Experts in social sciences and game design will present short, focused talks on these topics, followed by a panel discussion that encourages deeper reflection on the social and psychological dimensions of gaming. Attendees will also have the opportunity to network and play games at a board game café that offers both tabletop and console gaming. 

Who’s leading the event?

Academic Lead

Dr. Daniel Wheatley
Dr. Daniel Wheatley investigates the mental health benefits of gaming, focusing on how "playcations" support stress relief, work-life balance, job satisfaction, and examines the social acceptance and impact of taking leave specifically for gaming.

Speakers

Dr. Emma J Breeze
Dr. Emma J Breeze is an expert on the accuracy of International Humanitarian Law (IHL) in military video games, exploring how game environments impact public perceptions of conflict and the ethical implications of these representations, as highlighted in her article "Prince Harry says his military kills were like chess pieces – the problem of seeing war as a game."

Helen Greetham
Helen Greetham, founder of Afoot Games, is renowned for creating inclusive, narrative-driven indie games that cater to underrepresented demographics, and her work explores how games can represent diverse identities and impact player experience.

Mikayla Sinead
Mikayla Sinead joins with a passion for leading with an inclusive intersectional mindset whilst centring joy. She combines passions of gaming & leadership development through her company Bridge Network Group's flagship series #GameJoy. The series encourages marginalised communities to carve their space in gaming whether for joy or career. A patron of the mental health charity Safe in our World, Mikayla has a wealth of experience in supporting diverse talent to reach positions of influence and leadership. Mikayla is in the 2019 cohort of Birmingham Live’s 30 under 30 in recognition of her work in Birmingham. 

Open to

All ages 

Of particular interest to

Anyone with an interest in gaming and the broader societal and ethical dimensions of the industry.