Research Competence

LudoCraft is a flexible research unit with skills to study, invent and apply theoretical and empirical knowledge of games and game-like virtual environments. LudoCraft specialises in research, design, teaching and consultancy in three main areas:

Game design is about mastering the design and production of 3D multiplayer games and virtual environments. Tailored game applications originate from the extensive empirical research of crafting games.

• What does game development involve?
• How can games be improved?

Game playing is a versatile phenomenon consisting of personal game experiences and multiplayer game communities. LudoCraft approaches the area by organising game experiments, demonstrations and exhibitions. History of computer games is preserved in the form of RetroGame Museum.

• How are games played?
• What is included in the game playing?

Game analysis has its focus on function, narration and structure of games. Game interfaces and their effect on usability and playability are evaluated.

• What are the concepts of games?
• Why games are designed the way they do?

Research Projects

"ELVI" - Environment for Lucrative Virtual Interaction (2005-2007)
A regional development project coordinated by LudoCraft, and funded by EU's objective 2 programme (ERDF) and City of Oulu. The project aims to boost regional games and interactive entertainment industry by focusing on the quality of the product and the business as a whole. ELVI seeks innovative ideas for games and interactive entertainment and helps them become marketable concepts.

"Elias" - Game the Border Region (2004-2005)
Preliminary study of competencies, knowledge base and business potential of computer game research and game production within the Finland-Russia cross-border co-operation.

ECOL (2003-2006)
Ecology of collaboration (ECOL) : Collaboration as a motivated and coordinated activity in virtual spaces.