GDC 2025 Session Viewer

Since the earliest days of online games, there has been interest in using them to further scientific research, whether as virtual behavior laboratories whose controlled environments and embedded data tracking (as in the aftermath of World of Warcraft’s Corrupted Blood Incident), or as a source of computational power, directing some of the billions of hours spent in virtual worlds every week towards solving real-world problems (aka citizen science games like FoldIt, or collaborations like Project Discovery). Yet, how does one go from interest to actualization, whether as a researcher or a developer? What should you know before getting started? And once you start, what do you need to keep in mind? This roundtable hosted by the IGDA Serious Games SIG provides those interested in using games to further research with a forum to discuss the state of scientific research via games, practical opportunities for collaboration, as well as tips and challenges for those seeking to do so.

Takeaway

Attendees will come away with an awareness of the current state of using games for research through a discussion with others in the field regarding its challenges, opportunities for growth, and what resources exist for current and aspiring practitioners.

Intended Audience

If you are a researcher curious about using games to further scientific research, a developer curious about how to integrate research into a game you are developing (or have developed), or someone who has experience facilitating these sorts of collaborations, this is the roundtable for you.