Games for Change: Innovating into the future of learning
The Games for Change Festival brings together game developers, policymakers, funders, educators, and innovators from around the world to explore the possibilities of games beyond entertainment. We listened to inspiring panels and met innovators, educators, and developers redefining learning through play.
Head of Minecraft Education Allison Matthews delivered a keynote sharing our team’s vision of how games transform learning in classrooms and communities worldwide. She highlighted success stories where students are using Minecraft to tackle global challenges — from environmental stewardship to civic engagement — while developing essential skills like collaboration, problem-solving, AI literacy and creativity.
Antonio Tijerino, President & CEO of the Hispanic Heritage Foundation, shared the story of Latin Explorers, a Minecraft series celebrating Latino leaders and cultural heritage. His presentation showcased how Minecraft can empower underrepresented communities and inspire students to connect with their identities while exploring future career pathways.
Minecraft was also featured in a panel about informal learning where educators discussed how play-based experiences can break down traditional barriers to learning. This session emphasized the importance of creativity, self-directed exploration, and cultural representation in developing lifelong learners. Patricia Dennis, School Library Media Specialist and Lead Researcher at Forest Street Community School, shared a story about a dyslexic fifth-grade student she worked with this past year. Many teachers had struggled to reach him, but through learning about agriculture in Minecraft Education, he was able to express — in writing — his excitement about school for the very first time. As Patricia beautifully put it, he became “the controller of knowledge in a space where he never succeeds.”
The Seattle Children’s Hospital Minecraft Server project won the new "Best Platform-Based Project" award for groundbreaking work creating a safe, supportive, and empowering virtual space for pediatric patients. And the Minecraft National Park project was a finalist for its innovative approach to environmental education.
