"Helping People Understand the World Through Games." -Josh Boykin

In this conversation, Mark and Josh Boykin explore the intersection of gaming and accessibility, discussing how games can serve as tools for storytelling, empathy, and connection, particularly for children with special needs. They delve into the evolution of gaming narratives, the importance of inclusivity, and the role of parents in guiding their children's gaming experiences. The discussion also touches on the social aspects of multiplayer gaming and the future of the gaming industry in terms of accessibility and understanding.

takeaways

• Gaming can be a powerful tool for storytelling and connection.
• Empathy and understanding are crucial in today's society.
• Parents can use gaming to connect with their children.
• The Xbox adaptive controller enhances accessibility in gaming.
• Tabletop role-playing games foster creativity and social skills.
• Violence in video games does not directly correlate with real-life violence.
• Inclusivity in gaming is essential for a diverse audience.
• Multiplayer games provide opportunities for social interaction.
• Games can help children with special needs feel included.
• The future of gaming should focus on understanding and connection.

titles

• Gaming and Accessibility: A New Frontier
• Empathy Through Gaming: Connecting Generations

Sound Bites

• "Gaming is a tool for storytelling."
• "We need more inclusivity in gaming."
• "Multiplayer games offer social connections."

Chapters

00:00

Introduction and Personal Updates

00:01

Exploring the Role of Gaming in Education

01:31

Connecting Games to Real-World Issues

06:21

The Importance of Empathy and Understanding

10:19

Gaming as a Tool for Parent-Child Connection

14:05

Navigating the Gaming Landscape

20:15

Games for Neurodivergent and Physically Disabled Kids

25:44

The Power of Tabletop Role-Playing Games

28:05

Communal Storytelling and Character Development

30:05

Exploring Marginalized Experiences Through Gaming

33:01

The Importance of Accessibility in Gaming

36:07

Innovations in Gaming Accessibility

38:59

The Social Component of Multiplayer Gaming

41:41

Building Trust Through Shared Interests

49:21

The Future of Gaming: Understanding and Connection

You can find Josh on BlueSky at https://wallstormer.bsky.social, and for more information about Intelligame at https://linktr.ee/intelligame. You can also contact him for speaking/consulting opportunities at [email protected].