In this engaging discussion, Jane McGonigal, a renowned designer of alternate reality games and Director of Games Research at the Institute for the Future, reveals how gaming can transform real-world challenges. She shares her journey and champions the idea that gaming systems outshine traditional education. Jane proposes a challenge to the Web3 community and discusses the potential for game developers to be nominated for a Nobel Prize. Through her innovative concepts, she underscores the importance of a curiosity mindset and how gamifying education can empower individuals and communities.
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Games and Real-World Impact
Jane McGonigal's interest in games' real-world impact began during her PhD at Berkeley.
Designing location-based mobile games revealed how play could positively alter players' mindsets and behaviors.
volunteer_activism ADVICE
Cultivating Curiosity
Cultivate curiosity by challenging assumptions about what can change.
"Flip the world upside down" by listing beliefs, reversing them, and seeking evidence for these reversals.
insights INSIGHT
Urgent Optimism
Urgent optimism involves acknowledging risks while focusing on positive solutions and actions.
This mindset allows individuals to feel empowered and hopeful despite challenging circumstances.
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How to See the Future Coming and Feel Ready for Anything—Even Things That Seem Impossible Today
Jane McGonigal
In 'Imaginable', Jane McGonigal draws on the latest scientific research in psychology and neuroscience to show readers how to train their minds to think the unthinkable and imagine the unimaginable. The book invites readers to engage in thought experiments and future simulations designed to build collective imagination, develop creative problem-solving skills, and take actions that shape a desired future. It aims to help readers access 'urgent optimism' and become fearless, resilient, and bold in the face of an uncertain future[1][3][4].
In this episode, Jane and Peter discuss the power of gaming, Jane’s journey to becoming an alternative reality video game designer, and the gamification of the education system.
You will learn about:
49:35 | Jane McGonigal's challenge for the Web3 community.
53:32 | Why the gaming system is better than the education system.
59:22 | Can game developers be nominated for a Nobel Prize?
1:04:01 |Taking the gaming mentality & using it to fix the world.
Jane McGonigal is a world-renowned designer of alternate reality video games crafted to improve real-world problems. She is the Director of Games Research & Development at the Institute for the Future and is best known for Inventing and Co-Founding SuperBetter. This game has helped more than 1 million players tackle health challenges such as anxiety, depression, and traumatic brain injury. Her TED Talks about gaming and longevity have over 15 million views, and she’s been named by Fast Company as one of the “Top 100 Creative People in Business.”
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Resources
Urgent Optimists - an Institute for the Future community, urgentoptimists.org
Moonshots with Peter Diamandis 
