Dr. Menno van Pelt-Deen is a Design[er] Researcher, he explores game design in new and weird contexts. Amongst others, he created games in swimming pools, therapeutic sessions and forests. By creating games with professionals, students and non-game developers, Menno builds bridges between industries, disciplines and people. As a result, he fosters the inclusion of new perspectives and domains into the creative industry of game development.Menno worked as incubation manager at Dutch Game Garden. He helped start-ups to enter the game industry or to search for new markets for their interactive experiences. Within a revamped incubation program, Menno brought start-ups together and had them learn from and with each other. In two years, the program has grown from zero to 40+ participants, all engaging and growing their businesses. Menno initiated the Games [4…] Jams. These game jams bring people together to develop a working game in a rather short time span. The jams produce case studies in the domains of inclusion, health, education and cultural heritage. Most of all, they inspire and connect. Together with Mark van Kuijk, Menno founded the game studio Lapp. Lapp develops prototypes and performs user tests for games that stimulate meaningful interactions between (grand)parents and children. Combining two playing styles and cognitive abilities in one game in order to resonate both experiences and invite players to communicate with one another.As chairman of Games [4Diversity], Menno tries to improve the representation and inclusion of socio-cultural minorities in games. By organising gamejams, talks and informal mixers, he brings people together to inspire and connect on a rich variety of subjects. In line with this work, Menno organises the annual (Dutch) Courage showcases at GDC and Gamescom. He sets up industry meetings in Utrecht and organised various conferences and summits. Currently, Menno works on games that fight cancer, artrose, loneliness and other (mental) health related subjects. All his work has one thing in common: connecting people in playful manners.