On 13 November 2025, the NuGamers project held a major onsite workshop, “Press Play: Powering Up Gaming Education for the Future.” The event celebrated the two-year project’s work in empowering VET providers across Europe with gender-inclusive education skills in the gaming sector.

The workshop provided participants with a unique opportunity to explore the potential evolution of gaming education through more gender-inclusive methodologies. Attendees learned about best practices in gender-inclusive game education and engaged in hands-on game development activities designed to enhance their soft skills.

Program Highlights

Francesca Olivier, project coordinator, opened the conference with an overview of the NuGamers project. She highlighted the steps taken throughout the project to support VET providers in integrating gender-inclusive approaches into gaming education, and shared insights into the project’s results and impact, illustrated with real-life examples from both VET providers and learners.

The workshop also featured presentations by two trainers:

• Igor Margan, gaming professor at Sveučilište Algebra Bernays, offered a thought-provoking introduction to game design, emphasizing diversity and inclusion in gaming.
• Angela Donati, from Sineglossa, addressed gender divides in gaming and the workplace more broadly. Her session encouraged participants to reflect on persistent gender stereotypes and the prevalence of impostor syndrome, particularly among women. She also shared practical self-empowerment strategies to help participants recognise and overcome these challenges.

The hands-on portion of the workshop, Soft Skills in Action, was led by Maja Šarić from Sveučilište Algebra Bernays. Participants collaborated in teams to develop original games, simulating a professional game studio environment. Each participant assumed a specific role and applied essential soft skills, ranging from time management tostorytelling, bringing their unique projects to life. The result was a showcase of innovative game concepts, original stories, and compelling characters, all created through strong teamwork and creative collaboration.

Finally, the NuGamers final event highlighted the potential of gaming education as a dynamic and inclusive learning experience, empowering educators and learners alike to contribute to a more equitable and innovative gaming industry.