About Us
What is TIGS?
TIGS, The International Games Summit on Mental Health, is a comprehensive and dynamic event dedicated to advancing mental health awareness and support within the gaming industry. Our annual conference spans multiple days, offering a diverse range of activities and opportunities for attendees to engage in meaningful discussions and acquire practical tools.
The conference brings together professionals from the gaming industry, mental health experts, and academia to address the unique challenges surrounding mental health in gaming. It is designed to provide a cohesive and comprehensive experience that combines informative panels, sessions, fireside chats, roundtable discussions, and interactive workshops.
Highlights of the TIGS conference include:
1. Panels, Sessions, and Fireside Chats:
– Engage with industry leaders, experts, and academic institutions focused on mental health in gaming.
– Explore emerging trends, best practices, and practical strategies for supporting mental well-being in the industry.
2. Roundtable Discussions:
– Exchange ideas, experiences, and challenges with a diverse group of professionals and experts.
– Collaborate to develop innovative solutions and approaches to promote mental health support in the gaming industry and it’s communities.
3. Interactive Workshops:
– Dive into hands-on workshops facilitated by industry experts and mental health professionals.
– Acquire practical tools, techniques, and strategies for promoting mental well-being in gaming.
The combination of informative panels, engaging sessions, facilitated discussions, and practical workshops ensures a holistic and immersive experience that empowers attendees to make a positive impact on mental health in the gaming industry.
TIGS strives to create a future where mental well-being is prioritized, stigma is reduced, and resources are readily available. Through this inclusive and collaborative platform, we aim to foster an industry that supports the mental health of its professionals and promotes positive experiences for gamers worldwide. Together, we can drive positive change and build a healthier and more inclusive gaming industry and community.
Who will be there?
Past participants included speakers such as Tim Schafer of Double Fine Productions; John Smedly, co-creator of online games such as Everquest and Planetside; Brenda Romero, CEO of Romero Games and award-winning game designer; Tammy McDonald, game industry veteran; Mike Wilson of Devolver Digital; Chris Charla, GM, Content Curation and Programs at Xbox; Chris Metzen, Senior Vice President of Story and Franchise Development at Blizzard Entertainment; and Gris creator Hector Fuster. We are also pleased to welcome a diverse array of studio heads, including Rami Ismail, Chandana Ekanayake, Manveer Heir, David Edery, and Ken Hall.
Creators including Ash Paulsen, CherryRae, and Tanya DePass will participate in the program. Clinical and research experts joining us include Dr. Paul Fletcher, Dr. Melita Moore, Dr. Atheeshaan Arumuham, Celia Hodent, Michelle Colder Carras, and Doris Rusch.
Why we are gathering?
Mental health challenges are a largely unspoken concern that reach across international borders – 1 in 2 individuals will experience a diagnosis or challenge over their lifetime. TIGS was organized to let people know that there’s help for people with mental health challenges who are also passionate about making and playing games. We’ll address some of the most pressing issues affecting mental health in games: stigma, harassment, work environment, and game play.