We research, play, and innovate for tomorrow.
The Research Centre of Gameful Realities, located at Tampere University in Finland, investigates how play and games can shape everyday life and future societies. Home to more than 100 international scholars and six individual research groups, the centre strives to innovate and build a better tomorrow.
Who we are
We are a play‑based research centre studying how game‑like ideas affect people, the environment, technology, and the economy. By merging interdisciplinary insights with real‑world gamification projects, we connect academia and industry to build resilient, inclusive, and fair societies.
Our collaborative team, shared funding and modern facilities enable cutting‑edge research, new industry creation and sustainable, equitable growth, positioning us as a global hub for innovative, responsible economies.
Key Facts
- 100+ international and local scholars
- Across research groups, 5+M Euros in research funding attracted (since 2020).
- We earn world class rankings. Both Web of Science/Clarivate and Stanford/Elsevier rank our field among the most impactful research areas globally, and as a top Finnish research domain across all disciplines.
- We excel domestically. Tampere University is the premier hub for gamification and gameful research in Finland.
Our Research Groups
The Research Centre of Gameful Realities comprises seven interdisciplinary groups that unite experts from Tampere University’s ITC, EDU, MAB and MET faculties.
Augmentative Technology
The Augmentative Technology group unites multidisciplinary experts to create tech that enhances daily life ● Leader: Johanna Virkki ● Learn More?
Gameful Futures Lab
The Gameful Futures Lab uses game‑based, design‑oriented research to explore alternative futures, blending technology and interaction ● Leader: Oğuz ‘Oz’ Buruk ● Learn More?
Games and Learning
The Games & Learning Group investigates how games and playful interactions shape learning, motivation, emotion, and engagement across a wide range of educational contexts ● Leader: Kristian Kiili ● Learn More?
Gamification Group
Gamification Group is a multidisciplinary research team that investigates the gameful aspects of technology, society, culture, and the economy ● Leader: Juho Hamari ● Learn More?
Insight
The INSIGHT Research Group is dedicated to generating socio‑technical insights within the field of Information Systems research ● Leader: Henri Pirkkalainen ● Learn More?
XR Economies
XR Economies Lab leads research on how augmented reality, virtual reality, mixed‑reality and augmented virtuality reshape consumer experiences. ● Leader: Nannan Xi ● Learn More?
InterReality
InterReality is a multidisciplinary research group focusing on the interrelations between different virtual spaces (including both “digital” and “possible”) and the real world ● Leader: Mattia Thibault ● Learn More?
