May 2026

Play Story Fest @ Remake Learning Days A pilot of a ½ day salon of facilitated conversations around play, culture and community. The pilot of Play Story Fest took place the Afternoon of May,11 at the MuseumLab at the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh during the 2026 Remake Learning Days. The Fest was a ½ day starting around 12:30pm and going until 5:00pm. From around 1-4:30, there were three conversation topics that were discussed. There were breaks for open reflection, and throughout the Fest had a hands-on activity creating art together. Each topic had a facilitator to guide the conversation. One...

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Games and Democracy, a Psychgeist series, edited by Susan Haarman. Democracy, as both a political structure and cultural ideal, is predicated on principles of participation, equity, and collective governance. These principles are not only enacted in political institutions but are also expressed, contested, and reimagined through cultural forms. Both digital analog games are emerging as a crucial cultural mirror of democratic systems and values. At this year’s Gamescom, the world’s largest gaming convention, a dedicated “Games for Democracy” initiative spotlighted titles that engage with democratic values and political education. Whether simulating political processes, allowing players to experiment with civic habits,...

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The Game Beat: Observations and lessons from two decades writing about games, by Kyle Orland The Game Beat examines the whos, hows, and whys of the journalists and critics covering the young but growing game industry. This collection of over 80 columns covers everything from the decline of print gaming magazines to the ethics of paid junkets to the importance of review scores and much more. The Game Beat: Observations and lessons from two decades writing about games Save Point: Reporting from a video game industry in transition, 2003 – 2011, by Kyle Orland In this collection of over 20 pieces...

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