Not just playing computer games, but developing them yourself – that's exactly what's possible in the "Student Games Workshop" at the Technische Hochschule Mittelhessen (THM) on the Friedberg campus. And it's open to all students of the university. The program brings creative minds together around the cultural asset of games and offers a space for experimentation, learning, and networking.
“We are all homo ludens,” says Marc Schmidt, referring to the model that describes humans as playful beings and emphasizes the importance of play and creativity in human development and culture. Schmidt is a media informatics student and, since the beginning of this year, has been the head of the student-run workshop for students. He sees the workshop as a place where students can come together, learn from each other, jointly develop projects in the field of game development, and forge friendships.
The games program at THMhas been running for over ten years. Since the first workshops in 2014, the student workshop has continuously evolved. Workshops, so-called "game jams," and events like the "GamesCouch Conference" in cooperation with the student workshop "Labor10," where experts provide insights from the industry, are integral parts of the program. "We want to be close to the gaming industry and pass on knowledge and contacts to the students," says Schmidt.
In the workshop on Bismarckstrasse, students can discover and develop their own strengths. "No prior knowledge is required," emphasizes Schmidt: "Anyone can come along and try things out: be it storytelling, programming, sound design, or game design." Team spirit is particularly important in the workshop – as is the case with the regularly held "Game Jams": an event where participants have around 48 hours to develop a game, from the initial idea to the finished prototype.
In addition to the necessary expertise of the now five-member student team, the workshop offers technical equipment such as modern computers, VR glasses, and a self-built arcade machine on which the self-developed games can be tested. The special feature: The machine is mobile and can be set up at various locations on campus. The machine's casing was manufactured in the THM 's "Open A5" makerspace.
Furthermore, e-sports is also an integral part of the school: THM is represented by several teams in the university league – including in games such as "League of Legends", "Rocket League" and "Marvel Rivals". The THMteam "THM Nitros" has been particularly successful, having already achieved two fourth-place finishes in the league.
For Schmidt, the student workshop is more than just a place to play games and program: "We want to be a springboard into the gaming industry – for everyone who is curious." Further information about opening hours and upcoming workshops can be found here: https://www.thm.de/games/.
Gaming enthusiasts recently gathered at the Open A5 in Friedberg for this year's Games Couch Conference. Under the motto "Starting a Business in the Games Industry," participants enjoyed a diverse program featuring exciting presentations, discussions, and practical insights into the world of game development. Topics ranged from international studio cultures and the use of AI tools to legal issues, studio formation, and games marketing. Those unable to attend in person had the opportunity to follow the moderated livestream from the comfort of their own homes.
