Projects

GameHUB combines the research results on game development of the PHL, the UHasselt, KHLim, and Group T. The researchers develop 3 pilot serious games together with students. The processes behind the implementation of the games is documented and the gained knowledge forwarded to entrepreneurs, for example via workshops. The project started April 2010 and runs for 2 years. After that the GameHUB will be accessible as a resource center via the game-incubator at C-mine in Genk.
 

• More info: www.gamehub.be

DeLearyous is a digital game for teaching interpersonal communication skills. Players interact with autonomous, virtual characters who provide realistic and expressive feedback to the player's actions. In this way, trainees are able to practice their social skills in a safe training environment, without the fear of making mistakes.

The Theraplay project involves designing and developing a so-called exergame, i.e. a digital game that combines physical exercises and play. A player's physical actions are registered by sensors delivering input for the game application. By doing so, Theraplay aims to provide support for occupational therapy treatments.
 

• Visit the Theraplay project site (Dutch-language site)

The Sidewalk Saver project team designed and developed a game about accessibility issues in Louvain. It facilitates knowledge transfer and aims to cause a change in attitude among its players, the city's students, thus eventually improving Louvain's public spaces.

The e-Treasure project's objective is to develop and design a digital game that archives the knowledge, experience, wisdom, and historical information from the silent generation (the elderly), and transfer these insights to the internet generation (young teens). While playing, the youngsters teach their elderly counterparts useful digital skills.

• Download the promotional flyer of the Blast From The Past game
• Watch the (Dutch-spoken) presentation on the e-Treasure project rendered during the 2008 Meaningful Play symposium (YouTube).
• Visit the (Dutch-language) e-Treasure wiki

Emergence introduces high-school students to some of the principles underlying game design. It uses a constructionist, game-based learning process (contrary to the traditional, theoretical approach). In developing their game, students learn to apply concepts such as 'magic circle', 'meaningful play', 'immersion', 'motivational rewards', and 'emergence'.

• Download the (Dutch-language) documentation for teachers (pdf)
• Play the game at the (Dutch-language) Ingebeeld3 website

Toewie is a digital game for pre-school children. While most digital games are navigated by means of the arrow keys and the mouse, Toewie uses a real life puppet equipped with movement sensors. By moving the puppet, a child is able to intuitively interact with the 3D virtual world of the game.

sBox introduces a soft approach to programming and especially game development via inclusive design principles and a unified process. These provide a framework for the development of computer games for a mature audience. The approach resulted into a multitude of concepts, of which one was developed: Petanque, a multiplayer lawn bowling game.
 

• Visit the (Dutch-language) sBox project wiki