G.A.M.E.S. lab

The Gaming, Augmented & Mixed-reality Experiences and Simulations lab is an experimental collective of designers and researchers that explores the transformative potential of play to facilitate learning and behaviour change, pushing the boundaries of games and playful technology in contexts such as education, well-being and accessibility. The output varies, ranging from production of serious games (tabletop and digital) to simulations and play experiences, leveraging immersive media like , augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), mixed reality (MR) and tangible interactions. Using a research-through-design approach, the lab uses the experimental prototypes to create new knowledge on technical aspects (e.g. novel interfaces), experiential aspects (e.g. game aesthetics) and socio-cultural aspects (e.g. empathy-triggering) of play. The lab is equipped with high-performance game development workstations, latest Virtual Reality and Mixed Reality headsets, 360 cameras, popular gaming consoles and peripherals, with capabilities like state-of-the-art eye-tracking and physiological sensing for studying emotions and stress (e.g. GSR, ECG, EMG, IMU, etc). The lab also houses a growing library of tabletop and digital games, to be used for teaching and research.