# Purposeful Play Game brands leverage viral trends to promote positive change. By [Mishal Omar](https://www.trendhunter.com/MishalO) | Published Nov 22, 2017 | Category: [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/modern-art-and-design-trends) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/purposeful-play ## Key Figures - Trend score: 3.1/10 - Evidence articles: 6 ## What is the Purposeful Play trend? **Purposeful Play:** Brands that offer games are either taking advantage of already-viral platforms, or are leveraging their products' ability to go viral – all for a greater cause. Whether charitable or political in nature, this shift reveals that for brands and nonprofits to best create positive change, leveraging top-of-mind subjects and playing on social media habits is one of the most meaningful ways to achieve this goal – motivating consumers who spend the majority of their time consuming viral content. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 6 featured examples - Articles from: Sep 28, 2016 to Nov 18, 2017 - Published: Nov 22, 2017 - Patterns: [Divergence](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/divergence), [Redirection](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/redirection) - Megatrends: [Tribalism](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/tribalism), [Experience](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/experience), [Authenticity](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/authenticity) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Themes within the Purposeful Play trend ### Viral Game Charity Campaigns Brands and nonprofits are leveraging the viral nature of gaming platforms to promote social causes, creating opportunities for philanthropic partnerships and online engagement. ### Fake News-Testing Games As the prevalence of fake news continues to grow, tools like Factitious game create an opportunity for consumers to test and improve their ability to discern facts from misleading articles. ### Activist Card Games Activist card games like 'Cards Against Humanity for Her' offer a humorous way to promote social or political causes, providing opportunities for companies to engage with their audience and show their support for a movement. ## What the Purposeful Play trend means for industry ### For Charities and Nonprofits Charities and nonprofits can capitalize on the popularity of gaming platforms by partnering with game developers to launch charitable campaigns that leverage the popularity of viral gaming trends. ### For News and Media As the issue of fake news continues to be a concern, the development of fake news-testing games creates opportunities for news and media companies to educate their audiences and improve their own journalistic integrity. ### For Marketing and Advertising Companies can use activist card games as a way to show their support for social and political causes, creating a unique marketing approach that engages their audience and promotes social awareness. ## Workshop question How can your brand leverage the concept of "going viral" to better reach its goals? ## Trend signals for Purposeful Play Trend score 3.1 out of 10, from popularity 47%, activity 37%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 47% - Activity: 37% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Purposeful Play trend 6 featured examples from Sep 28, 2016 to Nov 18, 2017. - [Transgender Doll Toys](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/jazz-doll): The Tonner Doll Company's 'Jazz' Doll is Based Off of Jazz Jennings (Category: Life-Stages) Implication: Toy companies have the opportunity to redefine traditional gender norms and introduce more inclusive and diverse doll options. - [Activist Card Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/activist-card-game): 'Cards Against Humanity for Her' Was Made as a Protest to the Tampon Tax (Category: Pop Culture) Implication: Disruptive innovation opportunity: Introduce socially-conscious card games that engage players in activism while providing entertainment. - [Viral Game Charity Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/missing-people): This Pokemon Go-Themed Campaign Helps Find Missing People Too (Category: Marketing) Implication: Nonprofit organizations can leverage collaborations with popular video games to raise awareness and support for their causes. - [Fake News-Testing Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/factitious): Factitious Tests Players' Ability to Detect False News Articles (Category: Tech) Implication: Opportunity for tech companies to develop advanced algorithms and AI-powered solutions for detecting and debunking fake news. - [Positivity-Focused Political Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/political-game): This Game Aims to Promote the Spread of Good Deeds (Category: Social Good) Implication: Creating political and social games to engage people in positive activities. - [Card Game Holiday Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cards-against-humanity-saves-america): Cards Against Humanity Saves America is a Political Campaign (Category: Social Good) Implication: Businesses in the advertising and marketing industry can explore innovative ways to merge political campaigns with promotional strategies. ## Recent trend clusters - [Oven Aesthetics](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/decorative-casserole-dishes) (Art & Design) - [Assisted Choices](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/weight-loss-medication-support) (Lifestyle) - [Storyline Sips](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/themed-drink-menus) (Lifestyle) - [Bedtime Cocoon](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/sleep-sensory-blocking) (Lifestyle) ## Trending in Art & Design - [Park-Model Tiny Homes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/park-model-tiny-homes) - [Handmade Craft Tradeshow Initiatives](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ny-now-handmade-division) - [Recycled Neon Light Sculptures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/encore-encore) - [Electrically Powered Airline Seats](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/premium-economy-seat) All articles: [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign)