Rachel Kowert wins Games for Change Vanguard Award

Rachel Kowert is to receive a Vanguard Award from Games for Change for her advocacy of the positive effects of gaming, and her work in the games industry.
Kowert originally studied concepts of gamification to push back against stereotypes of gamers.
She then worked for Take This, a mental health charity, where she established the first research department, and also worked on research.
Her current position is as a strategic policy advisor at Discord, working on research and developing resources for content moderators.
Kowert discusses the positive aspects of gaming, and how it helps to combat loneliness.
She also details some of the interesting psychological aspects of gaming, and how it allows people to express creativity.
Kowert sees both positive and negative emotions around the subject of games.
She believes that there is still a long way to go to recognise the benefits of gaming, and it is still seen by many as a largely negative medium.
She details some of the positive work that has been done in the field, such as the Playing for Change initiative.
Kowert also highlights the way in which gaming allows people to connect with each other, which is especially important for lonely people.

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