Talks and shows

How games shape our reality

Kelly Clancy explores games' impact on war, AI, and democracy, arguing our fascination with games unveils the essence of human nature.

A man wears a virtual reality headset
Eren Li via Pexels

Join neuroscientist and physicist Kelly Clancy as she delves into our unrelenting fascination with games. Beyond mere entertainment, games serve as dynamic tools for learning about the world, understanding the intricacies of our minds, and even forecasting the future. But these insights beg the question: what happens when games blur the line between fiction and reality?

Kelly will trace the evolution of games since the Enlightenment, traversing diverse realms such as military theory, biology, AI, neuroscience and the evolving landscape of democracy.

From the influence of war games on the outcomes of actual conflicts in nineteenth and twentieth-century Europe to the transformative impact of game theory on our understanding of human behaviour, games have left an indelible mark. Discover their profound effects on all aspects of our society, from technology to economics and politics.

Copies of Clancy's new publication 'Playing with Reality' will be on sale at this talk.

Event type

This is a theatre only event where the speakers and audience are together in our Theatre.

By booking to attend events at the Royal Institution, you confirm that you have read and accept the Ri's event terms and conditions. You also agree to abide by our code of conduct, and help to create a great experience for yourself and your fellow participants. Please note that Eventbrite adds a small booking fee to the amount paid for each ticket option.

For any queries regarding this event please get in touch by phone 020 7409 2992 or email events@ri.ac.uk.

About Kelly Clancy

Kelly Clancy
Via Kelly Clancy

Kelly Clancy is an accomplished neuroscientist and physicist with an illustrious research career. She has been honored with fellowships from HFSP, EMBO, and the National Science Foundation, as well as receiving the prestigious Regeneron Prize for creative innovation in biomedicine. A recipient of the Branco Weiss Fellowship and the Berkeley Fellowship, Kelly's insightful writing has graced publications like Wired, The New Yorker, Nautilus, Utne Reader, Harper's Magazine, and the Massachusetts Review.

Timing

Doors to the theatre will open at 6.45pm and the talk will begin at 7.00pm.

Accessibility

The event will take place on the first floor and there is step-free access from the street via lift.

The closest underground station is Green Park, which is step-free.

There is space at floor level in the theatre for wheelchair users.

Seating is usually unreserved for our events. If you and your group require seating reservations, please do let us know by emailing us at events@ri.ac.uk, and we’ll be more than happy to help.

Carers can receive a free ticket to an event by emailing events@ri.ac.uk.

Our theatre is equipped with an Audio Induction Loop. 

Covid guidelines

Face masks are no longer mandatory and wearing one in our Theatre and at other Ri events is at your discretion, however please do not attend the Ri if you are displaying Covid symptoms or, if you have tested, the result remains positive. Thank you for respecting other people and their choices, and for helping us keep all of our visitors and staff safe and well.

Event terms and conditions