On the same day that Jeroen Derwort visited CatDrink Studios at Fontys ICT, another meeting was scheduled a few kilometres away at Eindhoven University of Technology. Two conversations, two interesting organisations, both valuable to GameLab.
UniGames: a serious start
The first conversation was with UniGames, a start-up focused on serious games. UniGames is still at an early stage, but its ambitions are clear. We discussed potential collaboration with GameLab, specifically whether UniGames could play a role in current and future GameLab projects.
Serious games are an important part of GameLab’s work, and it is always interesting to explore possible partners. A young company familiar with the TU/e environment and seeking to combine education, technology and game design fits that picture well. We will follow its progress.
Totem Game Dev: 45 students, one mission
The second conversation was with Totem Game Dev, TU/e’s student team. This is far from a small group: around 45 students are actively involved in the initiative, which even has its own foundation. That shows how seriously it is taken, formally as well as practically.
Totem Game Dev works across a broad range, from serious games to entertainment games and XR experiences. It regularly organises game jams, where students build a game together in a short time: a proven way to develop skills, get to know one another and enjoy making things. Games emerging from these sessions and longer projects are presented at the team’s own expo, showcasing their work to a wider audience.
It is a lively ecosystem, with students from different technical disciplines discovering and exploring the world of games.
Eindhoven as a hub
The day in Eindhoven made clear that the city has a remarkably active educational games community. At Fontys ICT, teams such as CatDrink Studios work on commercial indie games. At TU/e, students build serious games, XR and entertainment games in an organised, professional way and at scale. Between them are start-ups such as UniGames, making the move into the market.
For GameLab, these are exactly the connections that matter: for sharing knowledge and feedback, collaborating on projects, building networks and introducing students to a world beyond their own institution.