In May of 2023, a study conducted by Timelycare, an online provider of mental health services, surveyed 1,100 participants ages 18-22, and they found that over 60% of the respondents worked with mental health professionals during their K-12 education. The need for mental health services continues to grow because of the pandemic, and educators and school systems play a vital role in creating spaces where students have environments where they can thrive. Gaming has grown exponentially and is an effective way to connect people and develop emotional bridges. Rachel Kowert, a mental researcher, recently spoke at a Wired event where she said, “games—especially longer, service-driven titles that people spend lots of time playing—have a unique ability to build connections. Games are actually very unique in creating that as compared to other spaces on the internet.” It is well-documented that art is a refuge for students to share their visions and express their feelings and stories. At UM, the Game Design and Interactive Media and esports programs in the School of Visual and Media Arts build on this concept by creating a space for students to share their narratives through their games while working with others. Creating games provides a space where many artists collaborate and create experiences that make a difference. At UM, students continue to think more critically about accurate representation and the stories they want to share based on culture and how to make a difference in the world.