From 8-bit to robots: a gamer's evolution

Edited for Medicinal Media by Levan Amiranashvili, Produced by Rob VanAlkemade

Medicinal Media profiles people who’ve brought media into their lives in a beneficial way, with a focus on youth mental wellness.

In this video, we introduce you to Shay Staggers. Growing up in Newark, New Jersey, Staggers used to skip school as early as first grade and walk three blocks, alone, to the video arcade. Her singular goal? Beating the bullies who insisted “girls can't play video games.” Staggers is now a successful, highly creative, and passionate single mom with three kids.

One of her children navigates life with autism and Staggers has learned that Kebbi, an educational and therapeutic robot by Movia Robotics, helps. During the height of the pandemic, this parent and her kids grew closer through gaming together. The stronger bonds have endured and the high scores keep getting higher.