Rules Don’t Apply: Unlocking Play - How Games Bring Us Together with Chloe Appleby

As part of its presence at SXSW Sydney in 2024, The Growth Distillery hosted a series of 10 vodcasts (a podcast with video) hosted by Dan Krigstein and branded Rules Don’t Apply.

The final guest in the series was Chloe Appleby, games curator at the Powerhouse Museum.

Appleby delves into the incredible power of games as a cultural force. From fostering self-expression to unlocking childhood memories, Chloe reveals how games are far more than entertainment – they’re a bridge that connects generations, builds communities, and inspires creativity.

Discover why the games industry has outpaced film and television, and why now is the time to recognise its potential. Chloe shares insights on how playfulness can enrich our lives, practical advice for parents navigating online gaming with their children, and how games can bring people together in unexpected ways.

Whether you’re a lifelong gamer, a curious parent, or simply someone looking to rediscover the joy of play, Chloe’s perspective will challenge you to rethink the role of games in our society.

Krigstein: Are games and play becoming more important?

Appleby: Absolutely. I mean, it's a testament, even my job is a testament to that.

Krigstein: What are the ingredients of good games?

Appleby: It's quite biased. If you were to ask someone who plays Fortnite or Call of Duty, they'll be like, yeah, first person shooters, um, more guns and bloodshed. But for me, it's getting into the stories behind it. I want to see the developer pour their heart out into a game and I want to see them become more creative, which is what Games allow people to become a bit more playful.

See also:
• Rules Don’t Apply: The Battle for Creativity: AI vs. Humanity with Futurist Brian David Johnson
• Layne Beachley first guest on Rules Don’t Apply vodcast series from The Growth Distillery