where game theory meets game design.
The European Game Science Lab represents a groundbreaking collaboration that bridges the disciplines of game theory, game design, and social behavioral sciences. This interdisciplinary partnership has proven enriching for all participants, united by a shared vision to advance the academic study of game design as both a cultural asset and an art form that fundamentally characterizes contemporary society.
our mission
We believe games serve as mirrors of society, reflecting the values and traditions of the communities that create and consume them. Our mission centers on the critical examination of entertainment games within their social contexts, analyzing the values they convey and their impact on players. Through this lens, we aim to develop innovative methods that provide students and educators with fresh perspectives on game design, moving beyond traditional assumptions toward more inclusive and culturally representative approaches.
addressing critical challenges
The gaming industry faces significant challenges regarding discrimination and cultural diversity. Many current games, including economic simulation titles that perpetuate resource exploitation models, fail to inspire new thinking among young players about sustainable practices and social responsibility. With our LUNA framework, we address these systemic issues by providing resources that empower students to develop more inclusive games that reflect the full spectrum of European culture, rather than the narrow perspectives often attributed to games.
innovation in educational technology
Viewing games as ludonarrative systems represents an alternative perspective to many established models. The planned critical examination of the rules and narrative structures of entertainment games with regard to their role in a changing society, as well as the development of a methodological tool for this purpose with the LUNA framework, represent an innovative contribution to digital transformation. Learning systems and creativity methods based on playing cards, information boards and worksheets are nothing new. However, combining these methods with an AI-based teaching assistant opens up previously unknown potential for such approaches.
In this project, generative AI and agent systems are being developed as educational tools in combination with classic card systems. Particular emphasis is placed on transparency and accessibility. The focus is particularly on open-source systems for the integration and development of general artificial intelligence and agent systems. The use of small language models will be a key focus of the investigation, as these enable the efficient use of resources. Another aspect of the research is the critical examination of training data sets to ensure the responsible implementation of AI. In this context, established terminology and concepts are critically questioned.
Beyond our focus on games as vehicles for societal change, we are developing AI teaching assistants as collaborative tools for group work. These assistants facilitate teamwork and enhance collective learning experiences and providing innovative tools for game design education across the European Union.
Through this comprehensive approach, the European Game Science Lab is pioneering new pathways for game design education that are culturally inclusive, technologically innovative, and socially responsible.