Play for good – behind the pixels

As part of their exhibition ‘Play for good’ at the Curious festival, the team from Abertay Game Lab will be in Edinburgh for a special chance to hear from them about their work and processes to develop digital technologies and physical artefacts that address challenges in health, wellbeing, and social inclusion – using games and play for good.

Projects include virtual reality games used in rehabilitation and live performance, a tabletop game dealing with themes of social inequalities, playful engagements with club culture and nature, using game development for digital youth inclusion, and playing games using a bike as a controller.

This is your chance to not only see the exhibition, but also chat, learn from and find out more about what the traditional artists, experimental game makers, and experience designers behind the exhibition put into this work.

You’ll have a tour of the exhibition with the creators and then a chance to sit and chat with them about what the future of using games for good looks like.

This event is an interactive group discussion so may involve talking in groups, hands-on activities, small individual or group tasks and self-reflection. You can be as involved as you feel comfortable doing so and will never be required to take part in an activity if you do not wish to do so. Pens and notepads will be provided.

Important points to note

• This event is suitable for age 16+

• Content warning: Within this event, there are two games that deal with sensitive content:

The Longest Walk - This experience contains strong language and potentially triggering content on topics related to anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation.

Right 2 Roam - The subject matter can be linked to personal experience and potential trauma. Our game is explicitly about the risks of walking alone, risks which are disproportionately experienced by women and other marginalised groups. While out game does not directly refer to real events or include graphic or violent content, it is expected that participants will understand and draw connections between the game board and components and real-world events that they are aware of from the news, or indeed their own experience or experience of friends and family.

• Filming: Photography may take place at this event. Please let a member of the RSE Public Engagement team know if you do not want to be photographed.
• Covid-19: If you would like to wear a face mask, please feel comfortable to do so at our events. Please be mindful of other participants and stay at home if you have Covid symptoms or have tested positive for Covid-19.

FACILITATORS

Dr Andrew Reid

Lecturer in Games Production, Abertay University

Dr Mona Bozdog

Lecturer in Immersive Experience Design, Abertay University

Gordon Brown

Lecturer in Computer Arts, Abertay University

Dr William Kavanagh

Lecturer in Game Technology and Mathematics, Abertay University

Dr Naman Merchant

Lecturer in Game Technology and Mathematics, Abertay University

Alexander Tarvet

Lecturer in Game Design, Abertay University

About the Curious festival

The RSE’s free Curious festival of knowledge is back, from Saturday 6 − Saturday 14 September 2025!

Curious is a festival of ideas – open to all and driven by connection, conversation, and discovery. It’s a chance to explore ideas and questions that matter with some of Scotland’s leading thinkers – and with people who bring their own lived experiences, insights, and curiosity to the table.

From science and society to arts and innovation, the programme spans a wide range of topics – with each event designed to spark dialogue, invite different perspectives, and encourage knowledge exchange.

Curious is an opportunity to meet like-minded individuals, plus those who see the world differently, and be part of discussions where everyone is welcome to share, learn, and be inspired. Full programme of events here.

Accessibility

We aim to make events as accessible as possible. If you have any accessibility requirements or have any questions related to how we can support this event, please contact public_engagement@theRSE.org.uk. Accessibility information for the RSE building can be found on our website: Accessibility - Royal Society of Edinburgh (RSE) : Royal Society of Edinburgh

The RSE is trialling the WelcoMe app for our public events. This app enables visitors with accessibility needs to discreetly inform our staff of any assistance required before their visit. Simply fill out a quick form with your needs and estimated arrival time, and our team will be ready to accommodate you.

Wheelchair spaces: If you would like to book a space as a wheelchair user, please select the ticket type 'wheelchair space ticket' during the booking process. If this is sold out, please contact the Curious team on curious@therse.org.uk.

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Please note that any personal data that is submitted to the RSE will be stored and processed in accordance with the RSE’s Privacy Policy. We will only use mobile numbers provided to contact you in the event of a cancellation.

Newsletter

If you would like to receive information from the RSE on forthcoming events and activities, including our Newsletter, please contact public_engagement@theRSE.org.uk

Please visit the RSE FAQs page for further details about venue and events.