Power Play

George Osborn’s groundbreaking book Power Play explains how video games became a channel for political influence and how authoritarian governments, violent extremists and populists have controlled, co-opted or collaborated with the biggest entertainment medium in the world to achieve their goals. In this illustrated talk, Osborn will explain how video games are not anti-social but instead have become the digital ‘third space’ where people hang out, talk and come up with ideas that shape our online discourse. It is essential that they are viewed as spaces capable of changing the way we talk, think and see the world: a development that means they’re capable of shaping our politics.

Osborn is a leading industry expert with over a decade’s experience explaining the political and societal implications of video games to a general audience. Whether you are a video game fan or not, his talks are accessible, immediate and engaging.