Executive Certificate in Mental Health Representation in Video Games
Published on June 24, 2025
About this Podcast
HOST: Welcome to our podcast, everyone! I'm thrilled to have a special guest today, an expert in mental health representation in video games. Welcome! Can you please share a bit about your background and connection to this topic? GUEST: Hi there! I'm a game developer with a psychology degree, and I've always been passionate about accurate and respectful mental health portrayals. I've worked on several projects that incorporate these themes. HOST: Fascinating! Now, let's talk about the 'Executive Certificate in Mental Health Representation in Video Games.' What inspired you to create this course, and what can participants expect to learn? GUEST: I noticed a lack of understanding and resources for industry professionals who want to tackle mental health topics. This course focuses on ethical representation, character development, and practical skills for integrating these themes into gaming narratives. HOST: That sounds incredibly valuable. Are there any current industry trends or challenges that this course addresses? GUEST: Absolutely. The course covers the increasing demand for authentic representation and the ethical responsibilities that come with it. We also discuss common pitfalls and misconceptions in portraying mental health. HOST: It's great to see that the course is so comprehensive. Now, what do you think are some of the significant challenges when it comes to teaching or learning this subject matter? GUEST: One challenge is breaking through preconceived notions and biases surrounding mental health. We tackle this head-on by providing evidence-based information and promoting open discussions. HOST: That's an important aspect of the learning process. Finally, where do you see the future of mental health representation in video games, and how does this course contribute to that vision? GUEST: I believe that mental health representation will become an essential aspect of game development. This course empowers developers, writers, and designers to create impactful experiences that foster awareness and empathy. HOST: Thank you for sharing your insights and for creating such a meaningful course. I'm sure our listeners are as excited as I am to explore this topic further and shape the future of video games. Until next time!