Game On
Of course, you can also visit Game On this evening. Discover in this temporary exhibition how games are changing the way we play, connect, and express ourselves. And you can game there yourself: from the Super Nintendo to the PlayStation 5.
From pixels to people
Who are you online? Not just what you play, but who you become the moment you log in. Behind every avatar lies a choice: braver, more beautiful, tougher, freer than you dare to be by day. Scientists, game makers, and passionate players come together at NEMO to discuss games and identity.
- 25 September
- 19:30
- € 18.50
- Adults
- in English
From avatar to identity
Building on the exhibition Game On, this evening takes things a step further. A game character is more than a collection of pixels. It can become an extension of yourself: a place to experiment with identity, emotions, and behaviour. Online communities emerge where people meet, collaborate, and experience a sense of connection.
In a panel discussion, we explore how digital worlds carry over into real life. Where does the line lie between who you are and who you play? This talk is in English and will be moderated by Marsha Simon.
The panel
Mary Flanagan
Mary Flanagan is a professor, game designer, and author of Critical Play and Playing Oppression. To her, games are never just entertainment: they're a tool. A means to think critically, express yourself, and give the world a nudge. For years, she has researched what games do to us.
Martine Spaans
Nearly 20 years in the games industry, hundreds of releases in. Martine is director of the Dutch Games Association, VP at European trade body EGDF, and founder of games publisher Tamalaki. This year she launched studio-builder Fourth Moon Games. Few people know the ins and outs of the industry better than she does.
Irene van Driel
Irene van Driel researches at the UvA how games and social media can become more inclusive. She studies why representation matters for young people and how technology can strengthen identity and connection. With initiatives like SeeMe, BeMe, and Videogamelab, she seeks those answers together with young people themselves.
Simone van Galen
Simone van Galen is a game designer, artist, and educator. She created She Tells Her Story, about bullying, insecurity, and loneliness, and works as a moderator for AAA studio Remedy Entertainment. In her workshops, she shows young people that games are more than play: they're a tool for telling stories and making your own.
Practical info
Language: English
Location: Auditorium, second floor of NEMO
NEMO opens: 6:00 PM
Programme starts: 7:30 PM
Drinks: 9:00 – 10:00 PM
During the walk-in and drinks, you're welcome to visit the Game On exhibition.
Your ticket includes a drink. The Museum Café serves food before the programme starts. A vegetarian ramen is on the menu for €15.50.