Nuffic

TU Eindhoven studies effect of video games

06 Dec 2007

Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e) has launched a Game Experience Lab. Its purpose is to conduct empirical studies into the effects that computer games have on their players.

While on the surface the lab may look like a veritable valhalla for game fans, it is actually a high-tech facility packed with equipment to measure physiological responses, from fingers firmly clamped to the mouse, to electrical impedance of the skin and heart rate. But it doesn't stop there. The research team also want to find out more about the moments of joy and frustration that gamers experience.





Currently there is little known about the effects that video game playing has on people. This then leads to non-factual speculation about the usefulness or the dangers of game playing.

The Game Experience Lab in Eindhoven is part of a much broader study into video games involving a network of European universities. The Game Experience Lab website provides more information about the project and the lab.

It will come as no surprise to many that a lab like this is located at the TU/e in Eindhoven. Home to research-intensive businesses like electronics giant Philips, Eindhoven is now a major European research and development hub. The Netherlands is also a leading producer of video games, and Dutch gamers are feared around the world for their irrepressible desire to win.