Revolutionizing Family Engagement: The Launch of Raising Good Gamers Initiative

In a significant step towards fostering positive relationships between families and video games, Games for Change, in collaboration with Tencent Games, has unveiled the Raising Good Gamers initiative. This program aims to equip families with the knowledge and tools necessary to navigate the complexities of video gaming, a pastime enjoyed by an astounding 3.3 billion individuals worldwide.

A Partnership for Positive Play

The Raising Good Gamers project seeks to bring together diverse stakeholders, including industry professionals, researchers, and nonprofit experts, to promote constructive discussions about video gaming. A key component of this initiative is the newly released white paper titled ‘Raising Good Gamers: What Families Need to Know About Video Games and Well-Being.’ Authored by Dr. Rachel Kowert, Research Director at Games for Change, the paper distills findings from extensive research across 15 countries and seven languages.

Empowering Families Through Education

This white paper serves as a foundational resource for parents, educators, and policymakers, aiming to spark informed conversations about video games. By providing practical tools and resources, such as workshops and conversation guides, the Raising Good Gamers initiative empowers families to engage with gaming in a more thoughtful and constructive manner. These resources will be available to schools and community organizations, facilitating healthy engagement with video games.

A Bright Future for Gaming and Families

Scheduled to be rolled out in the US and UK this September, with plans for international expansion next year, the initiative underscores a commitment to transform the culture surrounding video gaming. Susanna Pollack, President of Games for Change, highlights the growing need for balanced support as gaming continues to evolve, stating, “For many parents, video games are a meaningful part of their children’s lives, but one they don’t always feel equipped to navigate.”

Furthermore, Danny Marti from Tencent emphasizes the initiative's goal to reshape public discourse around games, arguing for a more nuanced understanding of the benefits of positive play. This collaborative approach aims to nurture informed decision-making that embraces the enriching aspects of video gaming.

Looking Ahead

The momentum surrounding the Raising Good Gamers initiative will culminate at the Games for Change Festival on July 21-22, 2026, in New York City, where the findings from the accompanying research will be presented to further encourage stakeholder engagement. This initiative represents a hopeful leap towards a healthier dialogue about video games and their role in young people’s lives, ensuring families feel supported in their gaming journeys.