GSE Podcast

AI & Ethics #acmmm2025

In preparation for the ACM Multimedia 2025 Hackathon, Sabrina Grössing from University of Klagenfurt and Dr. Michael Riegler from SIMULA Research in Oslo discuss the evolving role of AI in game development, exploring its ethical implications, data safety concerns, and the importance of responsible AI practices. They highlight the shift from traditional machine learning to generative AI, the impact of AI on user experience, and the need for rigorous testing and evaluation of AI systems. The conversation emphasizes the responsibility of developers to create ethical AI tools while considering the environmental impact of their innovations. Join the Hackathon on ACM Multimedia Hackathon: https://acmmm2025.org/hackathon/ [https://acmmm2025.org/hackathon/]  Keywords AI, game development, ethical AI, data safety, generative AI, machine learning, responsible AI, user experience, health sector, AI tools Takeaways * AI has evolved from machine learning to generative AI. * Generative AI has made AI tools more accessible to the public. * AI can enhance game development but also poses ethical challenges. * The gaming industry is seeing both positive and negative impacts from AI. * Consumer preferences may shift towards human-created content over AI-generated content. * Data safety and security are major concerns with AI applications. * Testing and evaluation of AI systems need to be more rigorous. * Ethical considerations in AI use are crucial for developers. * AI can influence mental health and user experience in games. * Developers should prioritize responsible AI practices in their projects.

Innovating Mobility Through Games

In this podcast episode, Mathias Lux discusses the intersection of games and mobility with Tanja Punz from Point&. They explore the innovative board game Move It!, which aims to raise awareness about diverse mobility patterns and promote sustainable solutions. The conversation delves into the importance of creativity in game design, the role of feedback from students, and the need for inclusive mobility solutions that cater to various target groups. Tanja emphasizes the significance of engaging with real-life mobility challenges to inspire new ideas and encourages listeners to think outside the box in their creative endeavors.Links: * Point&: https://www.pointand.eu/ [https://www.pointand.eu/] * Wienxtra: https://www.wienxtra.at/ [https://www.wienxtra.at/] * Game Studies and Engineering Program: https://www.aau.at/en/studien/master-game-studies-and-engineering/ [https://www.aau.at/en/studien/master-game-studies-and-engineering/]

Collaborative Brainstorming in Game Development: Creative Techniques with Wilfried Elmenreich

In this podcast episode, Mathias Lux and Wilfried Elmenreich explore various creative techniques for game design, starting with the Crazy 8 method and its application in generating innovative ideas, particularly around sustainability. They discuss the importance of team dynamics, the role of different brainstorming methods, and the value of refining ideas through collaborative processes. The conversation emphasizes the need for experimentation with various techniques to enhance creativity and develop engaging game concepts. Links mentioned in the episode: * Game Studies and Engineering Program: https://www.aau.at/en/studien/master-game-studies-and-engineering/ * Crazy-8: https://designsprintkit.withgoogle.com/methodology/phase3-sketch/crazy-8s #boardgamedesign #gamedesign #creativity #gamedevelopment #boardgames #podcast #gse #gamedev #sustainability #innovation #brainstorming

Understanding the Austrian Game Industry with Martin Filipp

In this podcast episode, Mathias Lux interviews Martin Filipp, a key figure in the Austrian game development scene, discussing the industry's current state, the PGDA's role in supporting developers, and the importance of education and community engagement. They explore the challenges and opportunities for emerging game developers, including the PGDA Student Award, career paths in the industry, and how students can maximize their CVs for success. Martin emphasizes the need for entrepreneurship and the potential for growth within the Austrian game development landscape. Links mentioned in the episode:- Pioneers of Game Development Austria: https://pgda.at/- PGDA announces Talent Award 2025: https://pgda.at/2025/03/22/pgda-announces-talent-award-2025/- PGDA Discord Server: https://discord.gg/zDWpFafpEH- Game Studies and Engineering Program: https://www.aau.at/en/studien/master-game-studies-and-engineering/

Game Design in Practice with Federico Montalesi: From a GSE Internship to a Job at Fire Totem Games

In this podcast episode, Mathias interviews Federico Montalesi, a game designer at Fire Totem Games, who shares his experiences first as an intern and the development of their game, A Webbing Journey, and then how he became a core team member of Fire Totem Games. The conversation covers the importance of networking, team dynamics, the evolution of the game designer role, tools used in game design, and the challenges faced during the Federico's internship. Federico emphasizes the significance of communication, the reality of documentation in game design, and the personal growth that comes from facing failures and criticism. Links mentioned in the episode: * Fire Totem Games Linktree: https://linktr.ee/firetotemgames [https://linktr.ee/firetotemgames] * Game Studies and Engineering Program: https://www.aau.at/en/studien/master-game-studies-and-engineering/ [https://www.aau.at/en/studien/master-game-studies-and-engineering/] Keywords game design, internship, game studies, Fire Totem Games, A Webbing Journey, game development, team dynamics, tools for game design, challenges in game design, bridging theory and practice Sound Bites * "Don't be scared to speak with people." * "The team is terrible, I hate everyone." * "A Webbing Journey is a sandbox role-playing game." * "Your creative genius is not affected by this." * "80% of my time was writing documentation." * "It's not over after the Master thesis." * "ChatGPT is your enemy."