From 19 to 23 October 2026, students from The Hague University of Applied Sciences and Hochschule der Medien (HdM) Stuttgart visited Universidad Francisco de Vitoria (UFV) in Madrid. The programme week, Video Games, Storytelling and European Cultural Heritage, brought together game development, cultural heritage and international collaboration. GameLab students Apple and Anthony and alumnus Jakub took part.
Cultural heritage as a starting point
How do you turn cultural heritage into a game concept? That question ran throughout the programme. The week began with introductions, the formation of international teams and a design workshop. The schedule then covered perspectives from the games industry, presenting ideas and advanced AI techniques for video games.
There was also time for artistic development and for refining project proposals with guidance from lecturers. On Friday, students concluded the academic programme by presenting and defending their proposals. The week took them from their first introductions to presenting an idea together.
Exploring Madrid’s games industry
The week extended beyond the classroom. Wednesday’s schedule included visits to an independent game studio and the Madrid in Game video game centre. Meeting the local games industry connected the work on campus with practice beyond it.
Bringing home more than new knowledge
For the students, Madrid was an intensive learning experience. They gained new knowledge and made connections for life. Working and spending time with students from other countries gave the exchange a value that extends well beyond the programme week itself.
The week also offered lessons for the organisers: it highlighted what worked well and which aspects still need improvement. Those experiences provide valuable input for future editions, helping both the content and the organisation develop further.
A different host next time
The exchange was part of a European Union Blended Intensive Programme (BIP). Other locations will take on the role of host in the coming years, including The Hague University of Applied Sciences. The collaboration will continue, creating new opportunities to meet through games, stories and cultural heritage.