Key information
On October 24, 2026, Osaka Electro-Communication University and IGDA Japan co-hosted the "Osaka Serious Game Day" at the Neyagawa campus. The event explored the potential of serious games, which utilize game technology to address social issues, education, and healthcare.
The university recently established a "Game Social Design" major. Faculty members explained that while previous majors focused on game creation as an end, this new program treats games as a means to solve societal problems. The curriculum emphasizes research and matching game mechanics with real-world needs, preparing students for careers in administration or corporate digital transformation.
Faculty members noted that while the term "serious game" can sometimes imply difficulty or lack of fun, they encourage students to focus on practical, accessible projects. Professor Terayama expressed a desire to eventually expand or transcend the current definition of serious games through student research. Meanwhile, Professor Uoi highlighted that modern data collection allows for better feedback loops, making him optimistic about the field's evolution.
The university aims to foster graduates who understand the essence of game design and can apply "game-like" qualities to various social sectors. By maintaining an open campus environment and utilizing both physical and virtual spaces, the faculty hopes to establish games as a vital cultural and economic infrastructure.
