Future forecaster and game designer Jane McGonigal ran a social simulation game in 2008 that had players dealing with the effects of a respiratory pandemic set to happen in the next decade. She wasn't literally predicting the 2020 pandemic -- but she got eerily close. In this episode, McGonigal teaches us how to be futurists and talks about the role of imagination and gaming in shaping a future that we're truly excited about. (This episode is part of the TED Talks Daily end-of-year wrap-up. As 2022 draws to a close, we're sharing some of the most perspective-expanding ideas from the TED Audio Collective to give you a sense of the bigger picture, help you better understand the trends of the past year and get ready for the one ahead.)

The TED Interview: How to be a futurist

How to be a futurist

Futurist Jane McGonigal's 2008 game predicted a respiratory pandemic, showcasing the power of social simulations to forecast futures.

McGonigal emphasizes the role of imagination in shaping the future, inviting us to not just predict, but actively craft our destinies.

Exploring the future through gaming, McGonigal unveils a method to enhance societal foresight and readiness for unprecedented challenges.