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Dr. Kate Henry's avatar

Taylor!!! The absolute glee I felt while reading this!! As someone who loves to watch folks play video games, I always thought I'd like to sit in on a D&D name and watch and enjoy, but reading this makes me feel curious about maying joining in on a game sometime! Going to check out some of the resources you mentioned here. Love love loved this interview!

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Shelly Mazzanoble's avatar

Thank you for the opportunity, Taylor! It was such a fun conversation and I LOVE that you have discovered Dungeons & Dragons!

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Victoria's avatar

Hi Taylor, Thank you for opening my eyes to how D&D's evolved, in this conversation with Shelly. My mind is firing in a few directions. Are there virtual online groups? Have you seen D&D being played in older age groups or with intergenerational groups?

In a work setting - I used to have agencies bringing in training programs with simulations to promote teamwork, strategic thinking and innovative problem-solving, and what you've described is the real-life version ;-) YAY

Intergeneration communication and understanding can be an issue now that a whole generation has been added into our society for the first time, so I wondered if you've experience of D&D being used across age groups...I'm assuming it can help us remove our 'real life' unconscious biases/labels and can promote true diversity, equity, inclusion, access...- thoughts?

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Taylor Allbright, PhD's avatar

These are fascinating questions! My group is a mix of millennials (30s/40s) and gen Z (20s). Personally, I feel like I have improved in my ability to connect with a younger generation, and I think there is absolutely an opportunity for strengthening intergenerational communication.

Overall I would say that DnD certainly has the capacity to support inclusion but, like anything,. It would require skilled facilitation and engagement from the GM and the players. If a group takes time to really talk out and address conflicts and issues as they arise, I think there is tremendous potential for fostering inclusion and addressing bias.

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Victoria's avatar

I was also thinking of when grandparents play with grandkids and adult children - a whole new 'thanksgiving' or Christmas or Sunday lunch habit...

Or to liven up afternoons for folks in sheltered housing or care homes - I've seen schools/uni projects try to engage with 'older' people in homes - imagine the dress up props ;-)

Really interesting potential, Taylor!

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