At Mind and Educational Games Research Centre (MEGA) play is more than just fun, it’s a powerful tool for learning, connection, and peace. At MEGA, games from all over the world, both traditional and modern, are used to spark curiosity, build community, and inspire growth across generations.
MEGA rejoined the Grebel Peace Incubator in June 2025, and although they have only been in the incubator for a few months, the passion and commitment shown by their team is evident. Ali Okan, the founder of MEGA, found his inspiration to start this nonprofit from his deep belief that learning should be both intellectual and joyful. He wanted to create a space where research and creativity come together, a centre where education feels alive. In his own experiences, Ali has seen how games and mental challenges can open new pathways in thinking. MEGA was born out of this vision, to combine academic insight with practical engagement, helping people strengthen their minds while enjoying the process.
Ali also emphasizes that MEGA is more than just a research centre, but a place where minds meet curiosity. MEGA’s goal is to connect research with real-life learning experiences that improve cognitive skills and problem-solving. Games stimulate various parts of the brain,encouraging analytical reasoning, memory, focus, and collaboration. In a world full of distractions, they can remind us of the beauty of education.
MEGA’s "Make a lil’ Peace Through Games" event was featured on the Peace Week Calendar this year. The Kindred Credit Union Centre for Peace Advancement Program Assistant was able to attend this event, and commented on how unique the vast array of games was.The event featured games from all over the world, and each game had its own distinct concept to it. The Program Assistant’s favourite game was a solo player game where players had to use the same set of blocks to make multiple different images, such as cats, or birds.
The Centre for Peace Advancement's Director and Coordinator enjoyed a competitive game, which involved stacking coloured cups in a particular order depicted on a card. Another favourite game involved positioning walls to prevent one’s opponent from crossing the board (think Labyrinth meets Blokus), and a third was an interesting variation on checkers. Each of the games, although different, worked many parts of the mind, such as memorization, speed, and organization.
Don’t worry if you missed out on this Peace Week event! Ali is hosting another Games Night event on October 28, from 6-8 pm. This event will feature games from all over the world and is a great chance to challenge and compete with your friends in mind games.
Aside from this, MEGA offers many other programs and services for all ages. Ali teaches High School and University students to learn new skills and ways of thinking through games, while also exploring the cultural and educational value of play. Teachers can learn how games can support classroom learning, and parents can learn how to use games at home to build stronger family bonds. MEGA also organizes hands-on workshops for partner organizations where participants can learn through games.
On the more competitive side, MEGA also provides Game Day events and tournaments. Game Day events are a chance for communities to come out, unplug and enjoy competing against others in different mind games. However, if you're looking to take your passion for mind games to the next level, MEGA also plans to host an Olympiad Tournament. This tournament is a celebration of strategy, teamwork, and friendly competition across communities. Keep an eye out on the MEGA website for future competitions!
Ali Okan believes that when people play thoughtfully, they don’t just compete, but they learn, connect, and evolve. Every game becomes a small research journey into how the human mind learns best.