Networking for the Future of Game Studies in Austria

From June 18-19, Dr. Felix Schniz participated in an Austria-wide networking event for scholars working in the field of game studies. Organized by the FG Game Studies, the event brought together researchers from various institutions across the country, including the University of Vienna’s Game Lab, departments of history and sports sciences in Innsbruck, as well as independent researchers.

The event clearly highlighted two main points: the interdisciplinary nature of game studies within larger academic frameworks, and the exemplary role of the University of Klagenfurt in national game research. As the only institution with a dedicated curriculum explicitly focused on games and a strong hybridisation of technical and humanities topics, the work of Dr. Felix Schniz and his colleagues contributing to the Master’s Program in Game Studies and Engineering was recognized as pioneering and set a strong precedent for the future development of game research in Austria.

In addition to exchanging best practices and discussing local and national strategies, the formation of an Austrian research network dedicated to game and play-related studies was also on the agenda. Dr. Felix Schniz expressed his intention to organize a future meeting to bring together interested members.