Playing with Purpose: My 2-Year Journey with Games for Change

What happens when you hand a young person a game engine and ask them to solve a global crisis? You don't just get clever mechanics or high scores; you get empathy in action. You get an entirely new perspective on the world's most pressing challenges, built one line of code at a time.

For the past two consecutive years, I’ve had the distinct honor of serving as a juror for the Games for Change (G4C) Student Challenge. In my everyday work with Gibson EdTech Advising, I constantly engage with how gaming is a phenomenal catalyst for learning and career pathways. But sitting in the juror’s seat for G4C takes that belief to an entirely new level, showing exactly what happens when creative design thinking meets real-world global impact.

Gibson Play Testing

On May 28th, 2026, our global community celebrated the culmination of this incredible hard work at the 11th Annual G4C Student Challenge Awards Ceremony, hosted live on Twitch by Anjali Bhimani. Watching the community tune in to honor youth ages 10–25 was an unforgettable reminder of why contributing to this space is so vital.

The Power of Theme-Driven Design

This year, student participants from all around the world were challenged to collaborate and build completely original games centered on three critical global impact themes:

G4C Themes

• 🚗 Own the Road (Supported by General Motors)

• 🌾 Outgrow Hunger (Powered by World Food Program USA)

• 🐠 All in for Nature: Reefs & Rainforests (Supported by Playing for the Planet)

As a judge who looks at education through the lens of critical thinking and computer science, evaluating these submissions is both exciting and refreshing. Students aren't just trying to make something "fun"; they are tasked with unpacking complex global issues like supply chains, environmental degradation, and societal structures.

When a young developer builds a game mechanic that visually demonstrates how regional food systems fail, or how fragile marine ecosystems collapse under pollution, that is authentic, project-based learning at its finest. It is proof that computer science isn't just about where the semicolons go; it is a powerful toolkit for contributing to the world.

Why This Work Matters to Me

As an educator connected to scholastic esports, math, computer science, and game design, I live for the moments where instruction turns into exploration. Evaluating these games for two years running has solidified a few core beliefs:

1. Games Build Deep Empathy: It's one thing to read a textbook paragraph about climate change; it's another entirely to play through a simulation where your choices directly impact a digital rainforest. Games force players to step into someone else's shoes.

2. Youth Creativity is Limitless: The cleverness behind the character designs, UI layouts, and narrative arcs created by these young developers is staggering. They tackle massive, heavy problems with fresh, unbothered optimism.

3. It Takes a Village: A student doesn't become a game designer in a vacuum. It takes dedicated educators, parents, and industry mentors providing the space, tools, and encouragement to let them build.

Experience the Future of Gaming!

A massive congratulations to all the winners across the 10 award categories, and an equally huge thank you to every student, educator, and parent who put their heart into this competition.

If you missed the live celebration, you can catch the full recording right now on the G4C Learn YouTube channel. Even better, go play the games yourself! You can dive straight into the creativity of these young minds by visiting the Student Challenge Arcade. Trust me, you will walk away incredibly inspired by what the next generation is capable of creating.

Join the Conversation! 🚀

Have you ever played a game that completely changed your perspective on a real-world issue? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below, and don't forget to subscribe for more updates on the intersection of edtech, gaming, and playful learning! 

Beyond the Classroom: Why Community STEM Events are the Secret to Sparking Lifelong Curiosity

What does real learning look like to you? Is it rows of desks and heavy textbooks? Or is it a room buzzing with laughter, a hands-on engineering challenge made of cardboard, and the wide-eyed wonder of a child watching technology come to life?

For me, learning has always been an adventure. What began in 2020 as a passion for expanding STEM opportunities during my time as a PSAYDN STEM Ambassador has grown into a lifelong mission. Over the past several years, serving as a NASEF Fellow, Mentor, Community Leader, and Remake Learning Days Ambassador, I’ve had a front-row seat to the magic that happens when we break down classroom walls and invite the community to explore together.

Being an ambassador means I don’t just attend these events; I live them, reflect on them, and advocate for them. Here is a look inside the unforgettable moments that remind me why we must keep building bridges between educational opportunities and the learners they are designed to serve.

When Technology Meets Playful Discovery

2025 Remake Learning Days Events!

One of my favorite memories was attending a family-friendly Remake Learning Days event at Fluxspace in Middletown with my daughter. The room was alive with exploration, from microscopes and claw machines to a Clear Touch smartboard and creative cardboard engineering.

Hosted by Morgan Buterbaugh, the evening wasn't just about trying out high-tech tools; it was about making technology approachable, tactile, and fun for all ages. Watching my daughter’s eyes light up as we tinkered side-by-side was a beautiful reminder that when learning feels like play, curiosity takes over naturally.

Science, Empathy, and the Real World

Learning should also connect us directly to the world around us. At the Go Green in the City event in Downtown York, I spent an afternoon with Environmental Science students from William Penn Senior High School.

I watched my youngest daughter dive headfirst into an oil-spill feather cleanup simulation. It was a powerful blend of scientific problem-solving and deep empathy. Moments like that prove that education belongs everywhere, in our streets, our parks, and in the hearts of students tackling real-world challenges.

The Journey Continues: Leveling Up and Coding the Future

The momentum didn't stop there. My experiences during the 2026 Remake Learning Days festival brought even more avenues for creative engagement, bringing gaming, esports, and industry experts directly to our learners.

I had the chance to bring my inquisitive youngest daughter out to explore Remake Days at Just Press Play. Partnering with the Pennsylvania Scholastic Esports League and IU13 EdTech Expert Keith Royer, it was an incredible day of play and purpose. We dove into Lorcana, tackled creative design challenges inside Minecraft, and explored hands-on STEM concepts with LEGO Education. It reinforced a core belief of mine: gaming isn't just recreation, it's a phenomenal catalyst for learning.

Building on that theme, I was able to engage my students in the Lincoln Intermediate Unit 12 #FrAYEcosystem ProFile Webinar Talks. Guided by our phenomenal host, Abbey Hathaway, we connected students directly with industry professionals. We learned from a CNC Programmer at PCC who dropped a brilliant insight that, "passionate gamers make excellent CNC programmers and designers!" We also heard from an Environmental Specialist at Constellation Energy, who shared her vital work protecting our local waterways and wildlife.

2026 Remake Learning Days Events!

The Toolkit for the Future

When we amplify these moments, we do more than just fill a calendar; we build collective momentum. We give educators a space to share what’s working, and we help learners realize that STEM isn't just a subject you get graded on in school. It is a toolkit for thinking, gaming, creating, and contributing to the world.

The best part? These moments are just the beginning. I am incredibly excited for the next event, the next conversation, and the next spark of curiosity I get to witness, whether through robotics, environmental simulations, esports, or creative design thinking.

Join the Journey! 🚀

Whether you are an educator looking for fresh ideas, a parent wanting to ignite your child’s passions, or a student ready to build the future, there is a place for you in this community. What is a community learning experience that changed the way you look at education? Let me know in the comments below!

To see more live updates, photos, and insights from these incredible community events, check out my event reflections on LinkedIn:

Reflections on Remake Learning Days Central PA

Celebrating 10 Years of Remake Learning Days

Go Green in the City - TikTok Share Out

Don't forget to hit the Subscribe button so you never miss an update on the future of STEM and creative learning!

AI Supports Esports in Education

As an avid tech nerd, gaming enthusiast, and digital native, I have always been one to test new technologies, push the boundaries, and make sure students can see the uses of technology in their everyday lives. I used ChatGPT when it was first showcased, and had it create a list of reasons why scholastic esports were important to use in school. Gaming, computer science, and AI all blend nicely together in the world of education. Then, a few years later, I found that same prompt and prompted ChatGPT to update my prior request. It gave me two different options this time, and in much more of my own voice. Below are the two different prompts. Let me know in my social media polls which one works best!

Response 1: 

Why Esports Belongs in High Schools: An Instructional and Engagement Powerhouse

After nearly two decades in education—spanning classroom teaching, instructional leadership, and higher education support—I’ve seen firsthand the transformative power of student engagement. One of the most impactful and often overlooked tools to reach today’s learners is esports. Whether students are competing at a high level or casually connecting in a club environment, esports offers high schools a dynamic platform for instruction, inclusion, and innovation.

A New Pathway for Engagement

Not every student connects with traditional extracurriculars. Esports offers a new, highly relevant option—one that speaks their language. As someone who’s built both a computer science pathway and a scholastic esports program from the ground up, I’ve seen students who struggled to find their place suddenly light up when handed a controller or asked to lead a strategy session.

Esports clubs provide an entry point that feels familiar and exciting. Students engage not only in gaming but also in teamwork, leadership, and communication. I’ve coached students who started off shy or academically disengaged and watched them grow into confident leaders, shoutcasters, analysts, and even aspiring coders.

Inclusive by Design

Unlike traditional sports, esports is inherently inclusive. It doesn’t discriminate by physical ability, gender identity, or socioeconomic background. I’ve seen students who might otherwise be sidelined become integral members of a thriving community. In our club spaces, students with IEPs, English language learners, and those from diverse backgrounds came together over shared goals and mutual respect.

Casual players are just as important as competitive ones. Whether they're helping moderate a Discord server, creating team logos, managing social media, or simply enjoying the community, there’s a role for every student.

Real-World Skills in Action

In my time as a NASEF Fellow, Mentor, and now Community Leader, I’ve helped other educators tap into the full educational potential of esports. When structured intentionally, these programs teach far more than gameplay. Students learn:

• Communication and Collaboration – Every match is a team effort. Students learn to give and receive feedback, resolve conflicts, and adapt strategies in real time.

• Digital Literacy and Tech Fluency – From streaming and shoutcasting to hardware troubleshooting and software configuration, esports cultivates essential 21st-century skills.

• Critical Thinking and Decision-Making – Strategy, adaptability, and analysis are core to gameplay—and all transferable to STEM fields and beyond.

And let’s be clear: esports isn’t “just gaming.” It’s broadcasting. It’s event planning. It’s graphic design. It’s business. It’s coding. In my time as Director of Secondary Services at Harrisburg University, I worked to align dual enrollment and workforce development programs with the kinds of real-world skills esports fosters. The career connections are already there—we just need to build the bridges.

A Culture of Belonging and Well-being

There’s also a social-emotional side to this work. Esports clubs give students a safe, welcoming space to be themselves. They form friendships, build community, and find a sense of purpose. During some of the most isolating moments of the pandemic, our esports program became a lifeline—students kept showing up not just for the games, but for each other.

Looking Forward

High schools should embrace esports not as an afterthought, but as a cornerstone of modern student engagement. When structured thoughtfully, these programs blend learning, community, and fun in ways that are hard to replicate elsewhere.

Whether you’re running a varsity program or just starting a casual club, esports is more than just an extracurricular—it's a future-ready, student-centered instructional tool. And it works.

Why Video Games?

This week was William Penn's 2022 Senior Graduation Ceremony. I also experienced my first ever Harrisburg University Graduation Ceremony. I enjoy seeing my students showcasing their success, and watching the speeches they get to make. But as I have been reflecting a lot lately, and looking back on my teaching career, I go back to why I think video games are useful tools, and where could I find inspiration to hook students with the content I link to gaming. There is one story in particular that helped me realize the power that gaming with students had. 

WP Graduation Speeches C/O 2022

Knockout City Team Spring 2022 - Honorary Polo Given to Me!

As Graduation of 2015 was ending, we all processed out of the auditorium and deposited our caps and gowns back into the rental pile. It was the first one I volunteered to attend and help as a teacher, volunteering, to direct the aisle of students who sat next to me. As I was dropping off my own cap and gown used in the commencement I heard a student calling my name, "Mr. Gibson, Mr. Gibson! I really want you to come to meet my mom!" Of course, I couldn't say no to the excitement in the voice, of this one student, with having me meet his mother. As we both navigated the sea of parents, friends, and family in the lobby, we finally stood in front of his mother, the student promptly said, "Mom! This is Mr. Gibson, the teacher I have been telling you about!" His mother began sobbing and reached out to embrace me, and through her tears of joy I heard her say, "Thank you so much for helping my son Graduate!"

In the Library ready fo C/O 2015 Graduation!

After a long embrace I looked at my student and had a puzzled look on my face, he responded with, "Man, I was going through some rough times in the middle of this school year, and you pushed me to do better!" I had this student the year before, and when I saw his report card in my class, I just said "Come on man, I know you are smarter than this!" We also had another shared connection, in comparing characters and progress in the mobile version of Injustice. We shared a connection through gaming, he would also stay after for game club sometimes to talk video games or ask for help in another class. This rapport led me to be able to say something when he wasn't performing at a level that I knew he could. I knew he could do better and I believed in him. That was what he needed to push through and get his diploma. I had no idea he was in need, but I was able to help regardless. 

Video Game Club circa 2019!

Throughout my entire career I know I have helped numerous students and made connections with gaming, but this moment is one that will always stick with me. I was amazed by the connection this student had with me, and how much one little act of caring could stick with a student. He and I are still in communication to this day, and I couldn't be prouder of the young man he became! Video games are more than entertainment, they are a way to connect with other human beings, and I have also researched and developed, ways to learn from video games. 

Finding Inspiration in the Gaming Industry

Reasoning

Ever wonder what's out there in the gaming industry? What about esports? Where are the people who look like you? How many women or BIPOC or LGBTQ+ people are represented in the industry? If you look you may see, much like other white-collar professions in the U.S., the industry of video games is dominated by white men, but they aren't the only ones playing games! Demographics for gamers are much more diverse than the professionals who are making the games. So where do we look for diverse student inspiration?

In the book, The Esports Education Playbook: Empowering Every Learner Through Inclusive Gaming, Bradford Harris, a NASEF Fellow, is quoted as saying, "I am really big on making sure I expose as many Black and brown children to esports as possible because it's not being seen. That's the reason I jumped into it (esports in education). So every time I go somewhere, I start asking those hard questions." 

The demographics of the esports and gaming realm are not what I see on a day-to-day basis as an educator. I see many BIPOC students and want them to see themselves in a growing future with technology. So I had to go searching and find inspiration, representation, and career options for the gaming industry.

How can this help others?

Educators have to dig, sift, and vet content with BIPOC, female and LGBTQ+ representation. Here is what I have used as career exploration tools, that help showcase their students represented in the medium. Many of the videos I found were accompanied by a Google Form or a Google Doc as a journal, to reflect on the learning and opportunities in the gaming industry. 

With 53% of my high school population in the Latinx demographics, I really wanted to help my students learn about the industry and where they can find room for themselves. Use the following links to help showcase panels and people in the Latinx community working in games:

Latinx in Gaming GDC 2018

Learn more about the panels’ work!

Edgar Serrano: Lienzo Studios

Daniel Monastero: Garage 227 Studios

Andro Miralrio: Keywords Studios

Gracie Arena Strittmatter: EA Gracie Intro

In the Know: Latinas in Gaming

Our African American population is 35% and they deserve to see themselves represented as well. Find BIPOC representation with these links:

1st Black Owner of Game Development Company

Gaming for Everyone: Blacks in Gaming GDC Feature

Other demographics are important too! Asian representation in gaming links:

NASEF: Careers in Esports - Team Manager, Andrew Kim

Where are the women? The number of girls in any program is much lower than some demographics, and they deserve a spot at the PC. Not just as support either! Women in gaming links: (Also look at the Latinx community!)

Esports Explore - Esports Journalist Women in Gaming

Gaming can make a better world | Jane McGonigal

Studying Esports in the UK

Some great interviews for more learning. We need to inspire, and share stories and successes of those who came before: 

Esports Explore - Content Creators

Esports Explore - Game Designer

BIPOC Entrepreneurs   

While driving, I listened to some podcasts and found The Toys & Tech of the Trade Episode 35, which highlighted an interview with Sebastian "Chosen1" Burton. The interview led to an interesting conversation with Sebastian about his work in esports since the age of 19. I was enthralled by his story and reached out to him after looking up his esports company, Gold Standard Gaming. Through a lot of conversations with my principal, I finally got Sebastian to Zoom into our school and speak to students in the Cybercats and my Exploration of Game Design courses. Finding BIPOC Entrepreneurs was a dream come true, and having students chat with Sebastian was an amazing experience. Mr. Burton spoke about his experiences in the industry, gave some life lessons in perseverance, and then discussed actionable steps students could take today to leverage their social media and graphic design skills to help launch a career in anything!

Final Thoughts

Finding inspiration and diversity in the gaming field can be daunting, and searching through hours of footage is a must if you want your students to feel represented. I know I am lacking in some demographics, as I only have one video showcasing a member of the LGBTQ+ community, and I welcome any advice in the comments. My students, our students, deserve to see themselves in the game industry!

Sine Wave Start to my 2020-2021 SY

This school year has really been like no other! I have had so many highs and lows starting off in a virtual setting. I've gone from overwhelming pressure to everything that is working! I've made mistakes and found valuable resources. There are times that I have had to show more humility and grace towards my students, and allow myself to have more humility and grace for my own mix-ups. 

It's embarrassing to admit, 

1. I sent the Zoom Link for my 5th Period to my 4th Period, and was getting upset my AP-level students weren't showing up! Luckily a student e-mailed me and I saw the notification on my phone, and popped in the Zoom with them!

2. I sent an assignment to my 1st-period class twice! Because I auto-assigned it to both my 8th Period & 1st, the same course on another day! 

3. I used the headings from my AP CS-A course for my AP CSP Assignments. 

4. In my College Calculus class I have forgotten multiple times to add a Submission option for my Canvas Assignments!

5. I cannot remember names like I used to and I am more forgetful in the online conversations that I have had with students!

6. I cannot motivative my best students to even show up for the fun events! Students are not showing up to online tournaments and events that I have helped set-up. I was even ghosted by a student from the club, he has not messaged or logged into the club page in weeks. 

I do not understand this year, I have had frustration after frustration, been turned down on several opportunities and grants. Through it all, I am making sure I build brand new virtual courseware for students and when we have successes, I am trying to make sure I celebrate them!

From the challenges, I have also had successes:

1. Building my Exploration of Game Design Course, of course, is the top success of this new school year.

2. Becoming a NASEF Fellow, and having my draft for an Esports Book Chapter accepted! (I am going to become a published author!)

3. Building up our Cybercat Video Game and Esports Club, one student at a time!

4. Having students featured on the NASEF Rube Goldberg Minecraft Challenge. 

5. Using Among Us to bring our Game Club together, and just have fun in my Exploration of Game Design Course, while teaching about Persuasive Arguments. (Thank you to one of my NASEF Mentor’s Angelique Gianis!)

6. Being interviewed by the Literacy Advocate on his Podcast! (Take a listen here:  https://anchor.fm/timmy-bauer)

Students in my Pre-Calculus Section Completed the 
Khan Academy Learner Storm. 12 Trophies
were collected in 10 Weeks!

This school year is far from perfect, and it’s way more stressful than I have ever been in my life. Trying to balance this virtual work life with a home life has been difficult. I have had to set boundaries and not answer emails or Remind Messages or texts from parents late at night. I also realize that this is nothing I was ever trained to work in, nor thought would be possible in my lifetime. But a wise Tik Tok Teacher explained that we cannot beat ourselves up because at this moment and during this stressful time, we may feel ineffectual and feel like terrible teachers. But we have yet to see the full data, or any of the anecdotal evidence this is 100% true. Watch the TikTok Here!

It has been a wild, sine function wave of a ride, but I am doing exactly what I should be doing. We are challenged daily, learning from those embarrassing moments, and successes are happening that should still be celebrated!

How Family Saved My Career

I am far from a perfect human being and far from a perfect teacher.

I never wanted to go above and beyond what I considered my job until I met my wife.

The year, 2011 was the start of something special, my wife went on a first date with me, and that was the start of our amazing little family.

Three houses, three energetic dogs and two remarkable daughters later I have found myself wanting to make sure I am pushing myself to be the teacher that my daughters deserve in my own classroom.  It is funny how having your own children can change your perspective on teaching.  My family gave me the confidence to step-up to more leadership roles, go for the master's degree I wanted and become an educator that my students deserve.

My Girls 

After starting courses on Technology in Education, I brought up my Twitter account and started following more educators, growing an awesome #PLN (Professional Learning Network).  I found the Math-Twitter Blog-o-Sphere (#MTBoS) and followed more like-minded math teachers which in turn helped me find fun, engaging activities for my students. While researching and finding more information during my second master's, I dove headfirst into video games in the classroom and exploring the ever-growing eSports in education movement. I also found the #eSportsEDU and #games4ed hashtag followings on Twitter.  Growing my #PLN to include more technology education and game-based learning in the classroom.

Search Twitter for #MTBoS

Finding support in my family, both in my home, in my Bearcat Family and also with my Twitter Family, has given me more confidence in my teaching, pushed me to find meaning and challenges in education, and ultimately saved my career.

Search Twitter for #esportsEDU