What does it mean to explore the humanities through games? That’s the question at the heart of Humanities at Play, a creative livestream series by Nevada Humanities that pairs gameplay with real-time conversation about the human experience.
In the October 30 episode, viewers tuned in to meet mariana moscoso, Senior Program Officer at California Humanities, for an imaginative session of Is This Seat Taken? —a logic-based puzzle game that sparks reflection on connection, belonging, and curiosity. As participants played, conversation unfolded naturally around the role of the arts and humanities in everyday life and the ways creative play can bring people together across boundaries.
Play opens a doorway into curiosity. When we allow ourselves to experiment, laugh, and make mistakes together, we remember that learning is a communal act. Games become a way to explore what it means to be human—to practice empathy, imagination, and care in real time. They’re also spaces where we can rehearse possibilities for future world-building.
Programs like Humanities at Play remind us that the humanities are alive in our daily interactions—in how we listen, create, and share stories. At California Humanities, we see this work as cultivating connection across distance, making space for dialogue that honors our shared humanity—alongside our more-than-human kin—and the diverse ways we make meaning together to build collective futures of thriving.
The livestream brought together humanities council staff and curious viewers from across the country, reminding us that learning, laughter, and dialogue are deeply human acts.
You can watch the full conversation and gameplay on Twitch at: https://www.twitch.tv/humanitiesatplay
About Nevada Humanities
Nevada Humanities connects and transforms communities by sharing and amplifying the stories, ideas, experiences, and traditions of the diverse people of Nevada. Through dynamic programs, events, and partnerships, Nevada Humanities fosters connection, curiosity, and understanding across the state.
Guided by a vision of a Nevada where people thrive in just and healthy communities—where connection and participation are part of everyday life, and where diverse perspectives are welcomed and valued—Nevada Humanities serves as the state affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities.
Learn more at https://www.nevadahumanities.org/
