Can you tell us a bit about yourself?

Hi, I’m Thomas Vigild, and I’ve been working with games and play since I started as a game reviewer for the Danish newspaper Politiken way back in 1991. Since then I’ve worked in the game industry as a consultant, journalist and lecturer. Right now I’m Headmaster at Vallekilde Game Academy at the historical Danish Folk High School Vallekilde, where we teach young adults from 18 years and up about play & game design – both digital, physical and all the things in between.

Why do you think play is important?

Play is simply put what makes us human and how we evolves as humans. A life without play is meaningless, so to fully experience life, you need to be able to play – and this applies to all aspects of your life. When you play you experience other perspectives on your self and others, and most crucially: Learn to learn from your failures.

How do you want to contribute to and shape CounterPlay?

I hope for a more playful society and world in which play is never seen as childish, but a true nessecity for growth, happiness, connectivity and power. CounterPlay is one step in this direction, and personally I want to showcase the power of play to the world. I love making speeches, love to inspire and get inspired through play and games and want to help change the role of play in our world.