THUAS GameLab has now been operating in its current form for a year. What have we done and achieved? What are our ambitions for the next year and beyond? A review of the year in figures.
Students
Sixteen students have been active in the lab. Seven of them graduated with a project and two completed their internships. So far, no students have failed or required an extension. That is welcome news, as this is ultimately what GameLab's structure and supervision aim to achieve.
Although delivering projects well is very important, the learning process and preparing qualified students for professional practice are ultimately the top priorities.
| Total | 30 |
| Graduated | 7 |
| Internship completed | 2 |
| Advised and supervised | 21 |
Projects
In GameLab's first year, we took on eleven projects. Three students were able to work on their own indie games: Animape, Benjamin & Carol and Realm of Relics. No GameLab games have reached the market yet. Our goal for the coming years is for one of the games supported by GameLab to win a Dutch Game Award, secure funding and/or be published.
We worked on exciting projects for external clients: Rijkswaterstaat's InnovA58, GymSim for the GLSO research group and KibA for KAS Jeugd. All these projects have made good progress .
Finally, we also took on a number of challenges through Innovative Development. The lab's VR and simulator equipment has been installed and upgraded. Student teams have also been working on AI and games.
| Total | 11 |
| Indie games | 3 |
| For external clients | 3 |
| Innovative Development Challenges | 5 |
Events
GameLab organised or co-organised thirteen events last year. There were two exhibitions at which GameLab students could showcase their work. GameLab students were able to attend various workshops, including sessions on Scrum, publishing on Steam and Gamification. We provided guest lectures for several modules, including the eSports minor.
We also took students to major events organised by others, such as INDIGO. This helps students get to know the games industry better.
| Total | 13 |
| Exhibitions | 2 |
| Workshops | 6 |
| Guest lectures | 5 |
Ambition
The past year was a successful first year for GameLab, and we want to build on it. More and more students know where to find us. The projects have the staffing they need and are progressing well. In the coming period, we want to do even more to promote the lab and game development within the ecosystem of the degree programme and the Dutch Innovation Factory.
In our second year, we want to bring at least one project or game to the point where it can be successfully released, funded, win an award or be used by a client.
This ambition is receiving an extra boost from the renovation currently taking place at the Dutch Innovation Factory. The lab spaces are undergoing a complete redevelopment. This will give us more space and resources. Bringing all the labs together will also help us collaborate more effectively.