"The phenomenon of play in all its different forms - from free play, toys, role-playing games, construction games and board games to digital game production - is now receiving the scientific recognition that does justice to its social, cultural and economic relevance," emphasised the association's board, which includes Prof. Michael Hebel.
"The founding of the German Society for Game Studies is a strong signal for the visibility and relevance of a field of research that has long since outgrown its niche status. As a university with a clear focus on digital innovation and social responsibility, we are delighted that three of our professors are helping to shape this important impetus," said Prof Dr Uta M. Feser, President of Neu-Ulm University of Applied Sciences.
Aims and content of game science
On the one hand, the new discipline sees itself as a theoretical and cultural level of reflection on gaming and the associated media works. On the other hand, it forms an academic training area for the still growing games centre of Germany - with practice-oriented research and development that is closely aligned with current social and technological issues. The focus is on
- Game design and game development
- Cultural significance and history of games
- Game studies
- Gamification
- Educational potential of game and learning systems, games as a method
- Psychological mechanisms of play
- Social systems and their dynamics as well as participatory forms of play
- Game-based innovations in business, health and urban development for sustainably effective concepts
Study programmes in the fields of game design, game development and game studies are not only seen as training centres for creative and technical specialists, but also as important fields of research for the methodological and creative further development of game-based systems.
Future projects
The main initial topics following the foundation of the society will be the establishment of working groups and an academic platform for research, networking and knowledge transfer as well as the organisation of specialist conferences and annual meetings. The first steps towards establishing a dedicated academic journal are intended to further increase the visibility and quality of game science research. In addition, the recognition of corresponding degree programmes and funding lines will be sought. Another focus is on the cultural-political recognition of media works and the development of suitable research bases in this area.
The founding members involved emphasised that German game studies is part of a growing international field of research. In countries such as the USA, South Korea and Finland, for example, "game sciences" are more firmly anchored institutionally. By founding the DGSW, Germany is positioning itself as a central player in the global discourse on the importance of games in the knowledge society of the 21st century.
The initiators see this step as a signal to politicians, universities and society to give games an appropriate status: as a field of research to be taken seriously, as a source of cultural and personal education and as a driver of innovation in a world that is increasingly being developed and changed through play.
Goal of the DGSW: to strengthen the exchange within game science
The DGSW is aimed at teachers and researchers at state and private educational, research and cultural institutions. The aim is to strengthen scientific and artistic exchange within the discipline of game studies - both nationally and internationally.
"The game, whether analogue or digital, is so much more than just an entertaining leisure activity, it is an essential expression of human creativity, an emotionalising medium for learning and knowledge, a motivating drive for social innovation and a central instrument for high-tech productions," said Professor Stephan Jacob (Darmstadt University of Applied Sciences) in his inaugural speech as the new chairman.
Special attention is paid to the promotion of young scientists and artists. This group of people is cordially invited to participate in the association's upcoming work with a membership or personally.
Contact person
