Meaningful Play Conference Opens Submissions for Fall Event

The 2026 Meaningful Play conference has opened submissions for those interested in leading a variety of activities, from games to talks, at the conference.

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Meaningful Play 2026 is a conference about theory, research, and game design innovations, principles, and practices. The conference brings scholars, industry professionals, and games practitioners together to understand and improve upon games with the intention of entertaining, informing, educating, and persuading in meaningful ways.

The conference will be held from October 13 to 15 and will be followed by Pittsburgh Play Day on October 16. 

Full paper submissions are due by Tuesday, March 31, while games, lighting talks, and posters must be submitted by Friday, May 15. Hosted sessions must be submitted by Monday, June 15.

The event is also seeking reviewers and volunteers. Those interested in taking part in the conference should fill out an interest form.

Submissions to the conference can be made online.