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What if games could spark generous action?

Games can do more than entertain. They can help us explore real-world issues, see things from new perspectives, and spark conversations that lead to action. Impact Arcades create space for people to do just that—using games to connect, reflect, and explore how they can make a difference.

What is an Impact Arcade?

An Impact Arcade is a flexible event where people come together to play games that explore real-world issues, reflect on what they experience, and find ways to turn those ideas into action.

From climate change and mental health to inequality, identity, and social justice, Impact Arcades explore the issues that matter to your community.

What happens at an Impact Arcade?
Gather

Bring together friends, classmates, club members, teammates, or other young people in your community.

Play

Play games that explore issues and topics your group cares about.

Reflect

Connect what you experienced in the game to real-world issues, experiences, and perspectives.

Respond

Turn your ideas into action by finding ways to make a difference in your community.

Why Impact Arcades?

  • Easy to adapt. Shape your Arcade around your audience, interests, goals, and setting.
  • Designed for young people. Give young people space to explore issues, share perspectives, and shape their own ideas for action.
  • Works for any group. Bring together a classroom, club, youth program, community group, or group of friends.
  • No gaming expertise required. You don’t need to be a gamer or know much about games to host an Impact Arcade.
  • Low-cost and flexible. Use the games, materials, and resources you already have—or choose from our collection of free games.
  • Connects play to action. Create a shared experience that can lead to deeper conversations, new ideas, and action in your community.

Ready to host your own Impact Arcade?

You don’t need to be a gaming expert. Our Impact Arcade Guide walks you through everything you need to plan and host your own—from choosing games and bringing people together to facilitating conversations and turning reflection into action.

Download the Impact Arcade Guide
Download Here

Share Your Impact Arcade

Share your Impact Arcade with us! Use #ImpactArcade and tag us in your posts (@GivingTuesday and @GamesForChange), or tell us about your experience by submitting your Impact Arcade story through our form.

Impact Arcades are powered in partnership by GivingTuesday + Games For Change Games for Change