Learn2Play4Future (L2P4F) consortium gathered for an international project meeting hosted by South-Eastern Finland University of Applied Sciences (XAMK) in Helsinki on April 14–15, 2026. The meeting brought together representatives of all partner institutions – University of Bielsko-Biala, University of Ss. Cyril and Methodius in Trnava, Impact Games, Comenius University, and the hosting institution XAMK.
The Helsinki meeting marked an important milestone for the L2P4F project, reinforcing collaboration among partners and setting clear directions for the next phases of implementation, research, and dissemination.
Strengthening Educational Game Design Courses
The first day focused on improving the Educational Game Design courses developed within the project. Partners participated in an interactive workshop addressing key aspects such as balancing theory and practice, enhancing student engagement, and ensuring clarity in course outputs. A strong emphasis was placed on flexibility across institutions and the integration of playtesting as a core learning component. As a result, partners agreed to revise their course syllabi based on their institutional needs.
Enhancing the International Colloquium
Another important discussion focused on improving the format of the international colloquium. The consortium agreed to maintain expert presentations while strengthening their mentoring role. The next colloquium is planned for January 2027 in a hybrid format, combining local participation with international online access. Students will present their projects through short pitch presentations. Awards will be divided into two categories: board games and digital games. Additional improvements include a revised voting system and a follow-up focus group to collect deeper feedback.
Project Progress and Dissemination
The meeting also provided an overview of project progress. So far, partners have successfully piloted courses, completed research activities, and developed 17 educational games. Dissemination efforts have reached over 2,000 newsletter recipients and generated more than 2,100 website interactions. At the same time, partners identified the need to increase student recruitment and strengthen communication strategies. Future efforts will include more active promotion and improved outreach strategies.
Advancing Research and the EDU Game Maker Toolbox
The second day focused on research activities, including data analysis and publication planning. Early findings from the pilot phase highlighted increased pedagogical realism and improved student readiness.
Impact Games introduced the development of the EDU Game Maker Toolbox, a key project output designed to support educators and students in creating educational games. The toolbox will be tested with early adopters in June 2026 and later integrated into course delivery.
Multiplier Events and Sustainability
The consortium also discussed upcoming multiplier events, which will be organised in Slovakia, Finland, and Poland. These events will showcase project results, including developed games and the project methodology, targeting educators, students, developers, NGOs, and public institutions.
Looking ahead, the sustainability phase will focus on maintaining project impact through continued course delivery and hackathons.
Next Steps
In the coming months, partners will focus on revising course syllabi, improving student recruitment, and testing the EDU Game Maker Toolbox. After the summer, the updated courses will be implemented, accompanied by ongoing research and preparation for the next international colloquium.
Networking and Cultural Experience
Beyond the formal programme, participants had the opportunity to strengthen partnerships through informal networking activities, including a joint dinner and visits to Ateneum Art Museum and Oodi Library. These experiences contributed to a collaborative and inspiring atmosphere throughout the meeting.