Can a video game save a life? | Johnny Chiodini | TEDxOldham

Johnny Chiodini explores the impact video games can have on mental health and wellbeing


He has been working in the games industry for the past seven years, during which time his work has earned several award nominations.

More recently, he has turned his attention to covering mental health issues with specific reference to video games and their consumers. It is his hope to challenge some of the stigma surrounding mental health and help facilitate more open discussion.

[nathanshearman]

Johnny Chiodini is one of my real world heroes. Loved the low batteries video series and really enjoyed watching this too. If I can end up coming across half as well as him when I'm talking to a group of people then I'd be happy.

[Wickerrman]

Fantastic talk by Johnny here! Sadly, a lot of people try to discount the power of video games, without realising what they can really do and how they can truly help millions of people overcome their issues.

[Eriamgh]

This is an excellent talk by an amazing individual and I'm mad at YouTube for taking 5 years to recommend this video to me.

[dee...]

I found you through your work with the oxventure d&d videos on YouTube. You are both emotionally and intellectually intelligent; funny; highly imaginative; courageous; and I'm glad you're using all these qualities to help others dealing with mental health issues. Thanks, man. The world would be a better place if more folks opened up like this.

[midnight_matter]

This man is a beautiful human being...

[legsfmetal]

Really inspiring, Johnny is so right.

For a while I stop playing video games and then I lost my leg in December, and to keep my sanity I went back to playing video games, and truly believe I'm still alive and happy because of it.

[DRWHO-UNIT-COSPLAY]

The oxventure and video games have helped me alot got my first D&D session this weekend. Johnny has helped me alot over the last year

[hyperion]

I cannot believe I am just finding this for the first time. I have watched Eurogamer videos for years and have felt so deeply supported and seen by the work of the video creators on the channel over all of these years. But Johnny specifically has been so amazing throughout and this is so exquisitely beautiful.

[gwdphoto]

Johnny, I found you with outside Xbox, but I really found you here. Thank you.

[maciejdev]

Video games will either save you or destroy you. One has to be very careful, just ask any former video game addict. Though I do not discredit what has been said, as they can be used to make one less anxious and get you through rough patches, even save a life.

[willyum]

Johnny Chiodini did a Ted Talk? How am I only finding this now as an avid oxventurer.

[laurenkelly]

I know this video was put up a while ago now, but it makes me think back to 'The Beginner's Guide'. It genuinely made me sit back and re-evaluate my life and put everything into perspective. I highly recommend watching a playthrough or for you to play it yourself.

[lawlbeastgaming]

A lot of people, especially our channel's editor, understands this concept. Only wish this gentleman could have some better lighting and a bigger audience. Haha Yay internet for spreading the word.

[lorminatti_art]

This really helps me prepare for my thesis ! ;; my thesis tackles mental health stigma and designing a video game depicting that issue . Im already expecting it to be a tough presentation since talking about mental illness in my country is still a taboo topic.

[the_scotch]

A great talk from a great guy. There's a reason why Johnny is so beloved.

[ArtSio]

words couldn't suffice to express how thankful I am for this talk... this stroke some very important chords of mine, and helped me develop a thorough insight on the coping strategies I use towards gaming. Many thanks 🙏

[realanonymous]

Came here from his twitter and I love that talk.

Glad to see someone giving insight towards mental issues and encouraging people to be more understanding and open minded towards them
Cheers to you, Johnny Mushroom

[commando]

he`s right on!. Even any game can get your mind off of the things that can set off panic attacks if your already have played the game .imo.

[StopForcingPlusOnUs]

Loved the talk Johnny. Fallout 3 and my dogs saved me when I was a teen. Almost a decade on now, I couldn't be a more different person, never sad at all. Games are incredible for wellbeing, Skyrim put me in a different world when I got out of my first proper relationship.

PS love all the playthroughs you and Aoife have been doing! :)

[GrimoireOfJank]

Bloody love chiodini, such an amazing guy,
Anyways loved this ted talk