Welcome to Game Changers – where young people take the lead in shaping safer gaming spaces!
Game Changers is a co-design project with and for young people. The aim of Game Changers is to create innovative solutions addressing the risks of far-right extremism and online hate in gaming spaces for young people. Through a comprehensive co-design process, we’re bringing together gamers and youth to brainstorm, create and implement solutions that resonate with their experiences and needs. By amplifying gamer-led and youth-led initiatives, we aim to foster safer and more inclusive gaming communities in their local networks.
But ‘Game Changers’ is more than just addressing problems. We’re all about building positive narratives and solutions that promote belonging and sociability through gaming.
The project’s overall aim is to empower young people to become game changers in their own gaming spaces! By providing them with the tools, resources and support they need, we’re turning gamers into ‘Game Changers’ – champions of inclusivity, diversity and respect in the gaming world.
The project received grant funding from the Australian Government’s Safe and Together Community Grants Program. This support allows us to amplify our impact and reach even more young people.
Ready to be a Game Changer? Join us in shaping safer gaming spaces for young people!
Why is this project important?
It is no secret that a lot of young people spend countless hours gaming and in online gaming spaces.
Research shows that young people can gain significant benefits from gaming with regards to wellbeing, social networks, community building and soft skills, including teamwork, leadership, self-regulation and communication skills.
However, gaming also comes with risks for young people. In gaming spaces young people interact with a broad range of players, who are often anonymous. Many young people have noted their experience of bullying, abuse, hate and discrimination in online gaming spaces. Gaming spaces have also become a place where young people are exposed to a range of ideas and narratives that can be divisive, hateful and even violent, including racism, misogyny, ableism, homophobia and transphobia.
Several organisations have issued warnings, including the Extremism and Gaming Research Network (EGRN) and the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism, which launched a report in late 2022 that found that over 80% of respondents had encountered some violent or hateful content in online gaming spaces.
Our Game Changers program aims to address the early stages of engagement with hateful or extremist narratives and ideas of young people on gaming platforms. At All Together Now we believe that the best way to prevent the risks of gaming for young people (e.g. abuse, bullying, extremism) is to highlight and strengthen the positives and to empower young voices in the gaming community who can drive change.
Our co-design project will aim to do just that, working with young people who are keen to be leaders in this space and change things for the better!
About the Project
Our project is dedicated to creating safer gaming spaces for young people aged 14-21! We are currently in the consultation and planning phase, gearing up for co-design sessions planned for September 2024. This is your opportunity to be a part of something innovative and exciting!
Our mission is to tackle online hate, extremism and bullying within gaming communities across the following council areas in Sydney:
- Strathfield Council
- Burwood Council
- Inner-West Council
What to Expect
- Co-Design Sessions will be in late September/October with follow-up sessions in November. These sessions will empower you to shape the future of gaming spaces. Your voice matters, and together, we’ll brainstorm new ideas and strategies to combat online hate, extremism and bullying in gaming spaces.
- Real Impact: Your ideas won’t just stay on paper. We’re committed to implementing the solutions we develop in the real world, making a tangible difference in gaming communities.
- Empowerment: This is your chance to have a say in creating safer, more inclusive gaming environments. Join us and be part of a movement for positive change in the gaming industry.
Who Should Join?
If you are a young person (14 – 21 years old), an online gamer, or a teacher, youth worker, school or youth service, and you want to get involved in the program, please express your interest via the buttons below.
For More Info About Our Program and Eligibility
Download our flyer to get an overview of our program initiatives, eligibility requirements and training details and how you can get involved to shape the future of gaming!
Share this flyer with your organisation and help spread the word to get more young people involved.
How to Apply
For Individual Young Gamer
If you are a young person (14-21 years old) and an online gamer interested in participating in the program, please apply via the button below. Check your eligibility here.
For School, Youth Service or Community Organisation
If you are a teacher, youth worker, or represent a school or youth service or community organisation, please email us at [email protected] to get involved.
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