This summer we are presenting research at two major conferences: (1) DiGRA in Ireland – early June, and (2) Games for Change in NYC – mid-July. Each talk is quite different, as are the event audiences. For DiGRA, our big publication is “Neighborhood Making of Story Games: Accessible Joy in Low-Tech Design.” (See findings, figures […]
Author: bstokes
Publication: “Neighborhood Making of Story Games” on EBOW findings
After three years of work across 50 towns and cities, we are thrilled to publish a new peer-reviewed article in the Proceedings of the Digital Games Research Association DiGRA 2026. The full title is: “Neighborhood Making of Story Games: Accessible Joy in Low-Tech Design” (full PDF) and it is co-authored by Benjamin Stokes, Eric Schoenborn, […]
Major Release: Version 2.0 of Hive Mechanic Greatly Expands Platform for Neighborhood Game Design and Storytelling
### Announcement ### Washington, D.C., October 22, 2025 — Today, the Playful City Lab (American University) is proud to unveil Hive Mechanic 2.0, a major upgrade to its open platform for neighborhood games and civic stories. Hive Mechanic has already empowered more than 50 towns and cities—often via public libraries, museums, and community groups—to create […]
In the ALA Magazine: “Press 1 for Engagement”
We published a column in ALA Magazine on our efforts to engage libraries beyond their walls (EBOW). With the print and online versions, we hope to share news of our program widely. (Thank you for the invitation, ALA Magazine!) Co-written by David Quick of DC Public Library and Benjamin Stokes, you can read our column […]
Innovation Award for Haddonfield’s texting-with-sculptures
Congratulations to one of our local partners: the Haddonfield Public Library. They won an innovation award for their story game (“HOST Sculpture Zoo Texting” project). It emerged in part through our national initiative on Engaging Beyond Our Walls (EBOW) and using our Hive Mechanic authoring system. The award comes from the annual New Jersey Library […]
At the United Nations: Low-Tech Game Design
I’m heading to the United Nations for a convening on games and the Sustainable Development Goals with Games for Change. My brief talk tomorrow will advocate for “Low-Tech Beyond Our Walls.” My pitch is that all cities and towns should be able to make their own games for engagement in public space. The vision is […]
Video and learning guide for public libraries with WebJunction
We are proud to release the video recording of our lecture for librarians on “Engaging Beyond Our Walls: Libraries connecting communities through outdoor games and stories.” More than 900 librarians signed up for the original event on Sept. 26 hosted by WebJunction, and thousands more are expected to watch as part of professional development. We […]
Webinar with WebJunction/OCLC on “Engaging Beyond Our Walls”
Register to join us on September 26th, 2024, at 3pm ET for a webinar with WebJunction — one of the largest hubs for library practitioners. This is a new effort to share our findings from the EBOW Project: Engaging Beyond Our Walls. Tens of thousands of libraries rely on WebJunction for resources and professional development […]
Peabody Awards: Broadening Recognition
Last week included a historic night on the stage at the Peabody Awards — and for the field of interactive! In brief, I flew out to LA on June 9 to attend the red carpet award show. I was there as a member of the jury, and specifically the Interactive Board. Here we are pictured: […]
MET Fest and Youth Gamers: Creating Wider Trajectories at the Local Level
On June 1st of 2024, I was proud to join with thousands of youth gamers at the Mystics home stadium in Washington, DC. It was the launch of MET Fest, a new event backed by the city. High school fans and families turned out for open game play, Esports tournaments, industry, college programs with scholarships […]