Forderungen des Netzwerks Game Labs an Hochschulen: Bessere Rahmenbedingungen für Forschung, Lehre und Studium mit digitalen Spielen

The academic study of digital games in Germany faces significant structural and legal impediments that threaten the long-term viability of research and teaching. To address these challenges, the network of university-based Game Labs advocates for a fundamental shift in how higher education institutions integrate game-related scholarship. The primary objective is to secure institutional stability through dedicated funding, expanded physical infrastructure, and specialized personnel, ensuring that Game Studies can evolve from peripheral projects into core academic disciplines.

Current research efforts are severely hampered by a restrictive legal and administrative environment. Specifically, existing copyright regulations, such as section 60c of the German Copyright Act, combined with complex End User License Agreements, create substantial barriers to the legitimate use of games in classrooms and laboratories. Furthermore, the lack of standardized procurement processes and IT support for specialized hardware forces researchers to navigate inefficient bureaucratic hurdles. These obstacles necessitate a comprehensive reform, including legislative adjustments to copyright law, the establishment of university-wide infrastructure standards, and the creation of industry-friendly purchasing models that allow for institutional billing.

Ultimately, the professionalization of Game Labs requires a collaborative effort between policymakers, university administrations, and the gaming industry. By formalizing these administrative and legal frameworks, institutions can foster a more robust environment for innovation and pedagogical excellence. Establishing these sustainable structures is essential for maintaining the integrity of academic work in the digital age, ensuring that scholars have the necessary tools and legal certainty to analyze and develop games within a rigorous scholarly context.