SXSW 2021: Virtual events with video games and esports serve as charitable plays during COVID-19 pandemic

During the coronavirus pandemic, video games haven't just been a good pastime, they have been a pastime for good, too. And the charitable good video games could bring may escalate after COVID-19 concerns pass. The ability of video games to help others is just one of the topics at this week's South By Southwest Festival, which takes place virtually through Saturday. Keynote speakers include former President George W. Bush, voting rights advocate Stacey Abrams, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, Tinder CEO Jim Lazone, filmmaker Ava DuVernay ("Selma"), Facebook Chief Diversity Officer Maxine Williams, Willie Nelson and Keenan Thompson interviewed by Chance the Rapper. In addition to more than 230 conference sessions, the festival will debut 75 new films including "Tom Petty, Somewhere You Feel Free."