Playing Well, Playing Together
Raising Good Gamers supports families, educators, and game developers in building healthier online gaming experiences for young people
Young people are spending more time than ever in digital spaces, and for many parents and caregivers, the desire to be part of that experience is strong - but knowing where to start can be challenging.
Raising Good Gamers (RGG), a Games for Change initiative, provides research-backed tools and resources to help families engage with gaming confidently and constructively. From setting healthy boundaries to navigating conversations about online behavior, RGG helps parents understand how games can support learning, connection, and digital citizenship.
Through partnerships with game developers, studios, and youth organizations, RGG also works to foster safer, more inclusive gaming environments. The goal is simple: a gaming culture where young people can learn, connect, and feel a sense of belonging in the spaces they care about most.
UPCOMING
In July 2026, at the Games for Change Festival, RGG will release a new white paper, Raising Good Gamers: Reframing the Conversation on Youth, Play, and Wellbeing. It will explore the gap between perception and reality in youth gaming through an evidence-based lens and be accompanied by practical tools for parents, including clear guidance and conversation starters to support healthy engagement with games.
RGG ORGANIZERS
Arana is the Chief Operating and Programs Officer at Games for Change, supporting all learning initiatives. As the former Executive Director of the Institute of Play IOP), Arana led major initiatives concerning school design, leadership, and school-based partnerships. She was part of the founding team that opened the IOP’s flagship project, NYC public school, Quest to Learn, and is co-author of Quest to Learn: Growing a School for Digital Kids. Arana has 20+ years of experience in education and nonprofit management as a teacher, educational technologist, curriculum developer, and organizational leader.
Arana Shapiro
Susanna Pollack
Susanna is President of Games for Change, the leading global advocate for using games and immersive media to drive social impact. With over 25 years of experience as a social entrepreneur and cross-sector leader, she leads a global nonprofit tackling real-world challenges from climate change to education through innovative gaming initiatives. Under her leadership, G4C has partnered with organizations such as the Nobel Peace Center, UNICEF, Minecraft Education, Google Play, and Hasbro, earning recognition, including the Classy Award and the Anthem Award. Susanna has been named to the Nonprofit Times Power & Influence Top 50 List and previously held senior positions at BBC Worldwide for 14 years.
Dr Rachel Kowert
Rachel Kowert, Ph.D is a research psychologist, award-winning author, and globally recognized leader facilitating global policy and product development with non-profit, governmental, and non-governmental agencies for more than 15 years through data-driven research focused on mental health and trust and safety in digital games. She has spoken about her work to thousands of people across the globe, including the United Nations and the United States Congress. She has published a variety of books and scientific articles relating to the psychology of games and, more recently, the relationship between games and mental health. Website: https://rkowert.com/
PARTNERS
Raising Good Gamers is built through cross-sector collaboration. We partner with organizations across gaming, education, and youth development to expand our reach and deepen our impact.
