Don't Die: Suicide Prevention and Video Games

Mar 18, 2017

3:30pm – 4:30pm CT

When videogames and mental health intersect, it's to discuss violence and addiction. This leaves a great deal of what it means to be human off the table—almost taboo—when discussing a medium that's able to reach people in ways other human beings, and other mediums, can't. While some games are helping bring mental health/suicide story lines to the fore (Depression Quest, Life is Strange), there is a dearth of guidance from the suicide prevention field on helping games skillfully explore yet another set of taboos. Panelists will do a deep dive on the chasms between these disconnects, how to bridge them, and how to guide creators on making meaningful story lines that demonstrate safe messaging.

Programming descriptions are generated by participants and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of SXSW.

photo of Chris Maxwell
Chris Maxwell

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline

photo of Beau Pinkham
Beau Pinkham

The Crisis Center Of Johnson County

photo of Dese'Rae Stage
Dese'Rae Stage

Live Through This

photo of David Wolinsky
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