Game Jam
Game Jam
Podcast Description
Gaming has become the world's most valuable entertainment industry, eclipsing movies and music combined.
That's why we're launching "Game Jam," where we're reinventing how the gaming industry discovers and develops the next generation of innovation.
Gaming has evolved from niche hobby to cultural cornerstone. It's now the primary stress relief outlet for millions. Yet while the industry's dominance is clear, what fascinates us most are the unexpected ways technology is reshaping not just how we play games, but how we connect, create, and express ourselves through them.
Podcast Insights
Content Themes
Game Jam focuses on the evolving relationship between gaming, wellness, and personal growth, featuring episodes that dive into topics like the impact of gaming on mental health, community building, and entrepreneurship in the gaming sector, with specific episodes exploring the success of wellness protein brands in gaming and how gaming tools aid personal growth.
Gaming has become the world’s most valuable entertainment industry, eclipsing movies and music combined.
That’s why we’re launching “Game Jam,” where we’re reinventing how the gaming industry discovers and develops the next generation of innovation.
Gaming has evolved from niche hobby to cultural cornerstone. It’s now the primary stress relief outlet for millions. Yet while the industry’s dominance is clear, what fascinates us most are the unexpected ways technology is reshaping not just how we play games, but how we connect, create, and express ourselves through them.
In this episode of Game Jam, Max sits down with Vanessa Lane, founder of BetterPlay Studios, to unpack how cozy games are reshaping the way we think about mental health, emotional regulation, and community connection.
Vanessa brings a rare perspective — part game developer, part educator, and full-time mom — on why play is a vital part of adult well-being, how BetterPlay curates therapeutic games, and why the label “gamer” means more than ever in 2025.
They dive into:
- The biggest myths about cozy gaming
- How parents can actually use gaming to connect with their kids
- What the science says about “disordered gaming” (and what it often misses)
- Why seniors, women, and non-traditional gamers are fueling the next wave of growth
- The problem with most publishing models—and how BetterPlay built a sustainable alternative
Whether you’re a gamer, a parent, a developer, or just curious how games can support mental health, this episode will change how you see the controller in your hand.
Subscribe for new episodes every week
Follow Max on LinkedIn for behind-the-scenes clips and insights
Disclaimer
This podcast’s information is provided for general reference and was obtained from publicly accessible sources. The Podcast Collaborative neither produces nor verifies the content, accuracy, or suitability of this podcast. Views and opinions belong solely to the podcast creators and guests.
For a complete disclaimer, please see our Full Disclaimer on the archive page. The Podcast Collaborative bears no responsibility for the podcast’s themes, language, or overall content. Listener discretion is advised. Read our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy for more details.