Film critic Roger Ebert famously said that ‘for most gamers, video games represent a loss of those precious hours we have available to make ourselves more cultured, civilized and empathetic.’ Yet art museums have been exhibiting video games for almost thirty years, and the majority of Australian households – and almost all families with children – are playing them. Video games aren’t leaving.

So, what’s the appeal? What do video games contribute to storytelling, stress-relief and society?

As part of Freeplay 2015, we’ll explore the prevailing issues and opportunities of game culture. Speakers Lawrence Leung, Vanessa Toholka and Leena van Deventer will talk about inclusivity and diversity amongst both players and developers, the influence of technologies like augmented reality and human motion sensing, criticisms of the industry and the industry’s relationship to its critics.

Stretch your thumbs, pull up a seat and press ‘start’ to find out what’s next for the medium that operates at the perimeters of technology, art and innovation.