Jane McGonigal is a renowned American game designer and author whose work explores the intersection of gaming, psychology, and real-world problem-solving. She is the New York Times bestselling author of "Reality is Broken: Why Games Make Us Better and How They Can Change the World," "SuperBetter: A Revolutionary Approach to Getting Stronger, Happier, Braver and More Resilient - Powered by the Science of Games," and "Imaginable: How to See the Future Coming and Feel Ready for Anything - Even Things that Seem Impossible Today." Her books examine how game mechanics can foster resilience, collaboration, and positive behavioral change.
McGonigal specializes in designing games that address global challenges, including poverty, climate change, and public health. She has created award-winning projects such as "EVOKE," "Superstruct," and "World Without Oil," which encourage players to engage with real-world issues through collaborative gameplay. Her invention, "SuperBetter," has helped over a million participants manage health challenges like depression and chronic pain. Her work has been featured in major publications and media outlets, including The New York Times, Wired, and NPR.
A former New York resident, McGonigal now lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with her family. Her innovative approach to gaming has earned her partnerships with organizations such as the American Heart Association, the International Olympics Committee, and the World Bank Institute, further cementing her influence in the field of applied game design.