Friday 12 November 2021, 11am-12noon (GMT)

At this time of year, thoughts turn towards certain pressing issues. If you are a parent, what to buy the kids for presents? If an employer, how do I fill those work vacancies?

In this talk, David Barrie and Andrey Chernyavskiy address both with one answer: video games.

Certain games and game genres are sources of soft skills that are essential to the future of work – such as collaboration or leadership – and other talents, like algorithmic thinking and understanding of mechanics and mechanic design. Gamers are very strong on finding inconsistencies in data or managing databases.

David and Andrey founded a tech venture called Game Academy, which uses data, commercial video games and online learning to help gamers make the most of their in-game talent outside of gaming.

In their talk, David and Andrey share insights into the skills of gamers and their value to the labour market. They discuss the power gaming and knowledge of game skills can bring in terms of self-confidence and life opportunity, as well as its benefits to the labour market, with a new cadre of digital-first, digital-friendly talent.

Guest chaired by

Annick O’Brien (info), COO, CybSafe

Presented by

David Barrie (info), Director, Game Academy
Andrey Chernyavskiy (info), Director, Game Academy