Press Release Summary
Play4Good – Inform, Play, Raise Awareness for Cancer
November 18, 2025 – Ionian Academy

With emotion, enthusiasm, and a sense of collective strength, this year’s Play4Good event came to a close — a heartfelt initiative that once again proved how knowledge, creativity, and social awareness can unite to generate ideas capable of changing lives.

Play4Good was co-organized by the Game Research Institute, the AVARTS LIVE GAME HUB of the Department of Audio and Visual Arts, and the Hellenic Cancer Society – Corfu Branch. The Ionian Academy was filled with students, academics, creators, and citizens sharing a common vision: the power of games as a medium for information, prevention, and hope against cancer.

A journey through games

The evening began with an open Game Play Session, where visitors explored the games developed by the students of the Department of Audio and Visual Arts. Each project reflected a deep understanding of the social cause — promoting health, balanced nutrition, and environmental awareness through creative design. Every game became its own small universe, turning creativity into a tool for prevention.

Words that inspired

In the second part, Dean Andreas Giannakoulopoulos welcomed the audience with an encouraging message to young creators.
Dr. Evangelos Filopoulos, President of the Hellenic Cancer Society, emphasized that information and prevention remain our strongest allies against cancer. He also expressed the Society’s intention to further promote these student games as real instruments of awareness and education — bridging science, technology, and human experience.

Awards with substance

The award ceremony became the highlight of the evening, recognizing the students’ effort and talent. The jury — Dr. Maria Gonidi, physician and President of the Hellenic Cancer Society, Corfu Branch; Leonidas Koufalis, visual artist and game graphic designer; and Assistant Professor Vassilios Komianos of the Ionian University — granted distinctions by category and named the Best Game Award. The winning projects stood out for their vision, artistic quality, and social impact.

Looking ahead

Dr. Ioannis Deliyannis, Director of the Game Research Institute, closed the event with a message of optimism and commitment to the mission. He also announced the Ionian University’s upcoming master’s program in Game Design without Programming Requirements, aiming to empower even more creators to join the field.

Play4Good once again proved that games are more than entertainment — they are bridges of communication, spaces for learning, and tools that reach the heart when words cannot.

We thank everyone who participated, supported, and found inspiration.
We keep playing. We keep creating. We keep doing good.