Meditation, Healing, and Representation in Gaming

Luke Miller, Lead Organiser of Melbourne Queer Games Festival joins us to unpack how video games function as both therapeutic escape and powerful tools for identity exploration. Jack and Jake chat with him about the festival’s decade-long journey from a simple “gayest games” list to an internationally recognised showcase of over 1000 submissions from queer creators worldwide. We discuss the unique healing potential of meditative indie games and how digital spaces can serve vulnerable community members who lack physical access to queer venues. Chapters 02:13 – Introducing Luke Miller and Melbourne Queer Games Festival 03:35 – Festival origins from gay game lists to event 04:36 – Standout games that have featured in past festivals 09:01 – The judging and assessment process 11:45 – Current festival format online and in person details 14:51 – Defining what qualifies as a queer game 16:08 – Robert Yang and experimental queer game mechanics 19:44 – Balancing diverse identities and community needs 25:43 – Decline in mainstream discourse around queer games 30:12 – Personal games that shaped coming out experience 32:50 – Feedback from players about game representation impact 40:01 – Getting involved in the festival All chapter timecodes are approximate. Want more Well Well Well? Check out our other JOY Podcasts for more on LGBTIQ+ health and wellbeing at joy.org.au/wellwellwell. If there’s something you’d like us to explore on the show, send through ideas or questions at [email protected] Find out more about LGBTIQ+ services and events in Victoria and South Australia at thorneharbour.org. Produced by: Jack Crnjanin, Jake Neville