Playing brings people together: The first Game Night at the University of Stuttgart

November 3, 2025

“Games – Science – Movies”: The University of Stuttgart's first Game Night thrilled visitors. Games, workshops, and lectures offered a colorful program that combined the joy of gaming with science.
[Picture: University of Stuttgart / Max Kovalenko]

Prof. Manfred Bischoff and Dr. Marianne Richter gave speeches at the opening. Afterwards, the university orchestra played music from well-known video games.
Image: University of Stuttgart / Max Kovalenko

Diverse program: From pen and paper to science

Until late into the night, visitors could choose between board game rounds, pen-and-paper adventures, workshops, film screenings, and short scientific lectures. While classics such as Catan, Spirit Island, Terraforming Mars, and Nemesis were played in the basement of PWR 47, the learning rooms filled with fantasy adventures and creative workshops on topics such as game design, Lego Serious Play, and DIY role-playing accessories in the Makerspace.

Playing together was the focus of Game Night.
Image: University of Stuttgart / Max Kovalenko

Scientific lectures were held in parallel in the foyer, examining games from different perspectives. The topics ranged from ethical questions of gaming to quantum physics in board games to philosophical definitions of games. Particularly popular was the lecture “Terraforming Mars as a game, as science fiction, as science” by Philipp Schrögel, which dealt with the question of how science-based games can be used for science communication.

How do I create a pen-and-paper character? The workshop provided creative input.
Image: University of Stuttgart / Max Kovalenko

Exchange, encounters, and shared passion

In addition to the program content, the focus was on exchange and shared gaming experiences. Nearly 300 students, staff, and guests took advantage of the opportunity to learn about new games, network, and contribute their own ideas. The University of Stuttgart's Computer Museum presented the classics Pac-Man, Pong, and Space Invaders on original consoles and terminals—a successful combination of nostalgia and discovery.

Retro computer games: Nostalgia was in the air at the Computer Museum's table.
Image: University of Stuttgart / Max Kovalenko

Origin and outlook

The idea for Game Night came about as part of the “Glow up our Campus” competition. The project promotes creative ideas that bring the campus to life. “We wanted to show how diverse the medium of gaming is - and how it can connect science, creativity, and community,” said the organizers.

The dedicated organizing team led by Dr. Luisa Hoffmann, Dr. Marianne Richter, Carina Maraite, and Phillip Schrögel worked together over the past few months to make Game Night a reality.
Image: University of Stuttgart / Max Kovalenko

Given the positive response and high turnout, there are already plans to make Game Night a regular event in the future. The event demonstrated the potential of playful formats for science communication, teaching, and interaction—and that games are much more than just a leisure activity: they build bridges between disciplines, generations, and perspectives.

Glow up our Campus

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