Cologne University of Applied Sciences launches the Cologne Game Lab
Game Development and Research at university level
Cologne University of Applied Sciences is continuing to develop its computer gaming expertise: in autumn 2007 the Cologne Game Lab (CGL) will be launched. The main feature of the CGL will be a two-year Master's course in Game Development & Research, which will bring together the fields of game design, audiovisual design, programming and management in one one interdisciplinary curriculum, as well as improving the standing of research in these areas. This international course will not only give students the opportunity to develop their own ideas and attitudes, but also encourage a broader understanding of the genre. Game development and research will be closely intertwined, making the CGL the only institution of its kind in Europe.
"Cologne Game Lab draws on the rich body of research at Cologne University of Applied Sciences," says Prof. Dr. Joachim Metzner, the university's rector. "The establishment of the CGL will allow us to build on our previous achievements in the area of computer games. The interdisciplinary approach that we will take to teaching and research reflects the complexity of the subject matter. The new knowledge and skills that will emerge will be important not only for the entertainment software world, but also reflect an interest of society as a whole: building up knowledge and experience of games."
The conference "Clash of Realities - Computer Games and Social Reality", which took place in 2006 in cooperation with Electronic Arts and will be repeated next year, established Cologne University of Applied Sciences as an authority in the field of interactive entertainment software. The creation of the "Spielraum" Institute, which focuses primarily on developing media skills, marked another important component of the university's expertise. In addition, numerous projects and collaborations on gaming have taken place in other institutes and faculties.
Lecturers from various faculties and institutes at Cologne University of Applied Sciences will teach at the CGL. Specialists from the world of gaming and other relevant disciplines will also share their knowledge. The lab will also work with companies and organisations in order to promote an intensive exchange of ideas and skills with industry. "This initiative plugs a gap in the training for what is a growth industry in Cologne. It further strengthens our message that Cologne is actively involved in the gaming industry in Germany," Cologne's mayor Fritz Schramma said.
Autumn 2007 will mark the foundation stage of the CGL, with applications being accepted from spring 2008. The first intake for the master's course is planned for winter semester 2008/2009.
For further information please contact:
Björn Bartholdy, E-Mail: bb@colognegamelab.org
Lutz Schmitt, E-Mail: ls@colognegamelab.org
Contact for press and media:
Cologne University of Applied Sciences
Press and Public Relations
Sybille Fuhrmann
Mainzer Str. 5, 50678 Köln
Tel: 0049/221/8275-3051,fax:-3394
E-Mail: sybille.fuhrmann@fh-koeln.de
