Jane McGonigal
Jane McGonigal
Game Designer, Researcher, and Best-Selling Author
Full Name and Common Aliases
Jane McGonigal is a renowned game designer, researcher, and best-selling author known for her innovative work in the field of gaming and its applications to real-world problems.
Birth and Death Dates
Born on November 28, 1977, Jane McGonigal is currently alive.
Nationality and Profession(s)
Jane McGonigal is an American game designer, researcher, and author. She is a leading expert in the field of gaming for good and has worked with various organizations to develop games that promote positive change.
Early Life and Background
Growing up in New York City, Jane McGonigal developed a passion for gaming at a young age. She began writing and creating games as a child and went on to study computer science and creative writing at Harvard University. After completing her undergraduate degree, she earned her MFA in creative writing from the University of Southern California.
Major Accomplishments
Jane McGonigal's work has been instrumental in shaping the field of gaming for good. Some of her notable accomplishments include:
Developing the first game to be released by the World Health Organization (WHO) to promote mental health and well-being.
Creating a game that helped people recover from physical injuries more quickly after surgery.
Designing games to address global challenges such as climate change, poverty, and inequality.Notable Works or Actions
Some of Jane McGonigal's notable works include:
SuperBetter: A game designed to help people recover from physical injuries more quickly after surgery. The game was developed in collaboration with the Stanford University School of Medicine and has been used by patients around the world.
EVOKE: A game that aims to empower players to make a positive impact on global challenges such as climate change, poverty, and inequality.
The Global Game Jam: An annual event where people from all over the world come together to create games that address real-world problems.
Impact and Legacy
Jane McGonigal's work has had a significant impact on the gaming industry and beyond. Her innovative approach to game design has inspired a new generation of game developers to use their skills for good. Her research has also been published in top-tier academic journals, further solidifying her reputation as a leading expert in the field.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Jane McGonigal is widely quoted and remembered for her innovative approach to game design and its applications to real-world problems. Her work has been featured in major media outlets such as The New York Times, CNN, and NPR. She is also a popular speaker on the TED circuit, having given talks that have been viewed millions of times.
In conclusion, Jane McGonigal is a pioneering game designer, researcher, and author who has made significant contributions to the field of gaming for good. Her innovative work has inspired a new generation of game developers and has had a lasting impact on the world.
Quotes by Jane McGonigal
Jane McGonigal's insights on:
Gamers always believe that an epic win is possible and that it's always worth trying, and trying now. Gamers don't sit around.
There is no problem that doesn’t have some underlying need for more optimism, stamina, resilience and collaboration. And games are, I believe, the best platform we have for providing that.
Over time, the games we play can change how we think and what we’re capable of. And it’s easy to maximize the benefits so the changes are positive.
Research shows that when we’re under stress or facing a major obstacle, we tend to focus on our weaknesses and what we’re afraid of.
Every game designer should make one explicitly world-changing game. Lawyers do pro bono work, why can’t we?
I’ve been running since high school. My boyfriend was on the track team, and I’d run with him.
Game developers know better than anyone else how to inspire extreme effort and reward hard work. They know how to facilitate cooperation and collaboration at previously unimaginable scales. And they are continuously innovating new ways to motivate players to stick with harder challenges, for longer, and in much bigger groups. These crucial twenty-first-century skills can help all of us find new ways to make a deep and lasting impact on the world around us.
A traumatic event doesn’t doom us to suffer indefinitely. Instead, we can use it as a springboard to unleash our best qualities and lead happier lives.