The Ionian University is delighted to announce the opening of the HUB: Gamification, a ground-breaking space dedicated to research, education and creation in the field of video games. This new structure, located on the site of the Ionian University Library and Information Center, marks the beginning of a new era for the academic community and wider society, as it encourages innovation and entrepreneurship in one of the most dynamically developing sectors worldwide. The Rector of the Ionian University, Prof. Andreas Floros, visited the site and discussed with the researchers the possibilities and perspectives offered. The equipment of the space includes hardware and software for game development, VR headsets, gaming machines, cameras of all types, drones, action cameras, 3D printers, laser cutter, projection mapping, green screen filming, holographic screens, MOOC development station, photo processing and video, 360Ëš post-production, image and audio editing and AI programming.

HUB:Gamification, a hub of the HAL – Hub of Art Laboratories project implemented at the Department of Audio & Visual Arts of the Ionian University is the core of an integrated approach to the development of the video game sector at the University, combining research, education and practice application. Through the creation of games that incorporate gamified elements and offer in-app purchases, the HUB aims to generate revenue that will be reinvested in supporting research activities and upgrading equipment, boosting research and innovation in the field. Its placement in the Library and Information Center of the Ionian University will allow, in the first stage, the development of the information literacy seminar which will also be offered in MOOC format incorporating modern and asynchronous teaching technologies.

The HUB’s broader integration plan in the research and creative field of games includes the establishment of an innovative Master’s Program in Game Development utilizing Artificial Intelligence technologies, supporting content development courses for games at KEDIVIM and the establishment of a Games Institute at the Ionian University. Behind this initiative is the Associate Professor of the Department of Audio & Visual Arts Ioannis Deligiannis, who offered the equipment he secured from research projects he has implemented. Through this interconnected structure, the Ionian University seeks to cover all the needs of research, education and creation in the specific field, while at the same time ensuring the sustainability and independence of its activities.

The overall strategy of the Ionian University focuses on promoting innovation, interdisciplinarity and cooperation with industry and other educational institutions in order to emerge as a center of excellence in the field of video games. Through the combination of theoretical knowledge with practical experience and