Schools in Berlin and Brandenburg now have the opportunity to apply for the engaging “Games Project Days”, organised by the Digital Games Culture Foundation. This initiative, running since 2019, brings together media educators and students to explore the games industry and enhance digital media skills. Designed for both secondary level I (grades 7-10) and secondary level II, the workshops will run from May to November 2025 during regular school hours, giving students invaluable insights into this dynamic field.
To initiate a workshop, schools should submit their applications roughly four weeks in advance. For secondary level I, the emphasis is on “Digital games in the classroom & strengthening media skills”. For older students, the focus shifts to career pathways in the games industry, which is particularly crucial for those nearing graduation.
Workshops feature a variety of rich themes, with suggested topics including “Digital games as an approach to art and design”, “Creative writing”, and “Politics and society”. Each session immerses students in interactive discussions, analysing games like GRIS and Papers, Please to spark creativity and critical thinking—turning digital play into a platform for learning.
One creative workshop, “Creative, digital storytelling with Actionbound”, empowers students to craft compelling narratives while addressing contemporary issues like climate change and hate speech. Participants are introduced to engaging storytelling techniques and explore how to connect their stories with their audience using the innovative Actionbound tool.
The “Bringing history to life” workshop uses the poignant game “My Memory of Us” to foster discussions around the themes of National Socialism and resistance. By engaging with the game in pairs, students reflect on history’s darker aspects, cultivating media literacy and fostering empathy through meaningful dialogue.
Older students will gain firsthand insights into career paths within the gaming industry, including game design, programming, and sound design. Industry professionals from Berlin-Brandenburg will visit schools to share their journeys and answer questions, ensuring a broad understanding of the diverse roles available in this exciting sector.
Last year marked a milestone with 20 participating schools reaching a remarkable 782 students, the highest since the initiative began. The Digital Games Culture Foundation, which operates under the auspices of Medienboard Berlin-Brandenburg, continues to lay the groundwork for future generations of gaming professionals with a strong educational foundation.
Berlin and Brandenburg schools can apply for the “Games Project Days” by the Digital Games Culture Foundation, offering workshops from May to November 2025. Designed to enhance digital media skills and provide insights into the gaming industry, the initiative covers various topics, including digital storytelling, history, and diverse careers in games. In 2022, 782 students participated, marking a record for the programme.
The “Games Project Days” in Berlin and Brandenburg stands as a flourishing initiative that not only introduces students to the multifaceted games industry but also enhances their digital literacy and media skills. With workshops tailored for various age groups, participants can delve into captivating storytelling and explore impactful historical themes through gaming. As interest grows within schools, the foundation continues to pave the way for students’ future careers in an ever-evolving field.
Original Source: www.heise.de
