International Games Week
International Games Week: Celebrating the Power of Play
International Games Week is an annual initiative that brings communities together through libraries to celebrate the educational, recreational, and social value of all types of games. This global event showcases the importance of gaming in fostering connections, learning, and fun across diverse communities.
Quick Facts
- When is it?: Second week of November
- Tagged as: Library event, Gaming celebration
- What’s the hashtag?: #IGW
- When was it founded?: 2007 (as National Games Day)
- Who founded it?: Jenny Levine and Scott Nicholson
History of International Games Week
International Games Week evolved from National Games Day, which began in 2007 as an attempt to set a world record for the number of people playing the same game simultaneously in libraries worldwide. The event grew in scope and popularity, becoming International Games Day in 2012 and finally International Games Week in 2017. Today, it encompasses events on all seven continents, raising awareness about the role of games and gaming in libraries among publishers and the public.
Timeline
- 2007: National Games Day is established
- 2012: The event becomes International Games Day
- 2017: Expands to International Games Week
- Present: Continues to grow, with events on all continents
International Games Week Dates
| Year | Month and Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | November 9-15 | Sun-Sat |
| 2026 | November 8-14 | Sun-Sat |
| 2027 | November 7-13 | Sun-Sat |
| 2028 | November 5-11 | Sun-Sat |
| 2029 | November 4-10 | Sun-Sat |
| 2030 | November 3-9 | Sun-Sat |
Observed: International Games Week
International Games Week is observed in libraries around the world, from small community libraries to large academic institutions. During this week, libraries organize various gaming events, including board game nights, video game tournaments, and tabletop role-playing game sessions.
Participants of all ages come together to enjoy a wide range of games, from classic board games to modern video games. This event not only promotes the recreational aspects of gaming but also highlights the educational and social benefits of play.
Libraries often collaborate with local game stores, game designers, and gaming communities to create unique and engaging experiences for their patrons. Some libraries even use this opportunity to showcase their game collections and introduce new gaming technologies to their communities.
Fun Facts About International Games Week
- The event has been celebrated on all seven continents, including Antarctica.
- Some libraries host 24-hour gaming marathons during the week.
- Virtual reality and augmented reality games are becoming increasingly popular at IGW events.
- Many libraries use IGW to introduce patrons to educational games and coding through gaming.
- Some participating libraries have created their own games specifically for the event.
Quiz
- In what year did International Games Week begin as National Games Day?
- Who were the founders of the original National Games Day?
- On which continents is International Games Week celebrated?
- What was the original goal of National Games Day?
- In which year did the event expand to become International Games Week?
(Answers: 1. 2007, 2. Jenny Levine and Scott Nicholson, 3. All seven continents, 4. To set a world record for people playing the same game simultaneously in libraries, 5. 2017)
FAQs
Q: Who can participate in International Games Week?
A: Anyone can participate! Events are typically open to all ages and are hosted by local libraries.
Q: What types of games are played during International Games Week?
A: A wide variety of games are featured, including board games, card games, video games, role-playing games, and more.
Q: How can my library get involved in International Games Week?
A: Libraries can register to participate on the official International Games Week website and organize gaming events for their community.
Q: Are there any costs associated with participating in International Games Week?
A: Participation is free, but individual libraries may have costs associated with organizing their events.
Q: Can online or virtual events be part of International Games Week?
A: Yes, many libraries host virtual gaming events, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic.
Importance of International Games Week
International Games Week plays a crucial role in promoting libraries as community hubs for entertainment, education, and social interaction. By showcasing the diverse world of gaming, libraries attract new patrons and engage existing ones in novel ways.
This event highlights the educational value of games, demonstrating how they can improve problem-solving skills, enhance creativity, and foster social connections. It also provides an opportunity for intergenerational interaction, as people of all ages come together to share in the joy of play.
Furthermore, International Games Week helps libraries stay relevant in the digital age by embracing new technologies and forms of media. It showcases how libraries are evolving to meet the changing needs and interests of their communities.
Related
- World Book Day
- International Literacy Day
- Global Accessibility Awareness Day
- International Board Games Day
- Video Games Day
