Announcing the Game Changer Jury Panel

From March 11 to 19, 2025, Game Changer will welcome representatives from five French studios selected by a French American expert jury to participate in a 10-day learning expedition to Los Angeles and San Francisco to meet key industry players and learn from experts on technical, creative, marketing, and social topics. The studio representatives will have an accreditation pass to participate in the Game Developer Conference (March 17-19), the game industry’s premier professional event that takes place annually in San Francisco.

Read more about the esteemed members of the selection jury below.

The call for applications for Game Changer closed on November 24, 2024.

Jury Members

Jeanne Marchalot 

Director of France TV Story Lab (France Télévisions)

Jeanne Marchalot has an extensive background in TV production and post-production, with expertise in media innovation and storytelling. Following her thesis in 2006 on the differences between the language in films and series, she has closely followed technological advancements, particularly in digital media. Since 2020, she has focused on creative projects that blend traditional media with interactive and immersive experiences, investing in new content and generative AI.

As Head of France TV Story Lab, Jeanne Marchalot has supported pioneering projects in digital storytelling, such as interactive content, VR, and transmedia narratives. Under her leadership, two StoryLab productions won Lions at La Mostra 80 and 81. Her dedication to innovation has established her as a key figure in France’s media landscape, positioning France Télévisions at the forefront of television’s evolution

Eric Zimmerman

CEO and co-founder Gamelab

Eric Zimmerman is a prominent game designer, educator, and theorist, known for advancing the field of game studies. He co-founded Gamelab, an independent game development studio that created influential casual games, including the iconic Diner Dash. Zimmerman has been a strong advocate for games as an art form, bridging the worlds of design, technology, and culture.

Alongside co-author Katie Salen, he wrote Rules of Play: Game Design Fundamentals, a seminal textbook that remains essential for game design education. He has taught at institutions like the NYU Game Center, where he continues to mentor future game designers. Zimmerman frequently explores themes of interactivity, narrative, and play, pushing boundaries in both digital and physical games. His work has had a lasting impact on the academic study and cultural acceptance of games.

Susanna Pollack

President of Games for Change

Susanna Pollack is a leader in social impact through media, with over 25 years of experience. As President of Games for Change (G4C), she heads an organization renowned for its annual Games for Change Festival, often called the “Sundance of video games.”

Under Susanna’s leadership, G4C has expanded its reach and impact, including G4C Learn, an educational initiative that empowers young creators. The G4C Student Challenge, launched with NYC’s Department of Education in 2013, now engages 10,000 students annually across seven cities. In 2017, she introduced XR for Change to explore immersive technology for social good.

Susanna has also launched numerous G4C programs with partners like American Express, Verizon, and the United Nations. She oversees impactful media projects as Executive Producer, linking creators with mission-driven organizations. Before G4C, she held various senior roles at BBC Worldwide.

Jehanne Rousseau

CEO and co-founder of Spiders Studio

With a background in graphic design and a passion for gaming, Jehanne Rousseau has led Spiders in creating narrative-driven RPGs like Bound by Flame and The Technomancer. Under her leadership, the studio has earned a reputation for ambitious titles that blend deep stories with immersive worlds.

Rousseau advocates for creative freedom, ensuring Spiders remains independent while delivering high-quality, innovative games. She is also a strong supporter of diversity and inclusion in the gaming industry, particularly encouraging women’s involvement. Rousseau’s leadership has been crucial in guiding Spiders through the challenges of independent game development. The studio continues to thrive under her direction, with future projects that aim to further push the boundaries of RPGs. Through her work, she has become a respected figure in the gaming community.