Jane McGonigal

Author and Game Designer

Jane McGonigal (born October 21, 1977) is an American game designer and author who advocates the use of mobile and digital technology to channel positive attitudes and collaboration in a real world context.

In July 2009 Jane suffered a concussion after hitting her head in her office. The symptoms were severe and lasted for several weeks, and led to her feeling suicidal. She requested her friends give her tasks to do each day. Wanting to recover from her condition, she created a game to treat it. The game was initially called Jane the Concussion-Slayer (after Buffy the Vampire Slayer), then renamed to SuperBetter. McGonigal was able to raise $1 million to fund an expanded version of the game.

Additionally, she has collaborated on commissioned games for the Whitney Museum of American Art and the Museum of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles.