Since 2013, the University of Isfahan has made serious investments in the field of computer games, continuously organizing game development classes and courses with the help of successful individuals in the gaming industry. Additionally, in 2016, with the support of the Vice-Presidency for Science and Technology, the University of Isfahan established a specialized center for computer games. This center has aimed to strengthen the infrastructure for education and entrepreneurship in this field by organizing educational courses and providing space, facilities, and specialized equipment for new game development teams. The impact of these efforts is now evident in the teams collaborating with the center. Holding four game development marathons at the University of Isfahan was a unique experience that significantly contributed to the expansion of the entrepreneurial ecosystem in this field and has now become one of the country’s prominent events.
Research in the field of gaming was previously rare and neglected in our country. In 2015, the University of Isfahan planted a seed by holding the “Computer Games: Opportunities and Challenges” conference, the first research-based event in this field in the country. This event was warmly received by researchers and has continued annually in 2016 and 2017 at the University of Isfahan and in 2018 at the University of Kashan. It has now grown into a tree whose branches extend over various fields related to computer games, including computer engineering, information technology, psychology, sociology, medicine, art, economics, management, law, and more. Alongside regularly holding this conference, numerous research projects in the fields of therapy and education are being carried out in collaboration with researchers from various fields at the center, adding a fresh perspective to traditional methods and gradually becoming a turning point in these areas. Achievements of our center include treating fear of flying and driving, improving patients with MS and children with autism and ADHD through computer games, and utilizing this modern medium for education and child development.
Currently, the University of Isfahan’s specialized center for computer games has become a hub for education, research, and entrepreneurship in the field of computer games. By launching game development programs at the undergraduate and master’s levels (the latter in collaboration with a South Korean university), it has aimed to strengthen the academic infrastructure of this emerging industry in the country.
Since 2019, with joint investment from the University of Isfahan and the Vice-Presidency for Science and Technology, the computer games center has been transformed into the “Innovation Center for Entertainment Industries.” Equipped with modern facilities, a pleasant environment, and skilled and enthusiastic personnel, it has embarked on supporting the development of businesses related to entertainment.
At the Innovation Center for Entertainment Industries, the following facilities are available:
Shared team workspace
Virtual/Augmented/Mixed Reality Lab
Board Game Lab
Animation Production Studio
Motion Capture Lab
Performance Testing Lab
Sound and Music Studio
Educational Classes
Equipped Site
Render Farm
Meeting Rooms
Equipped Cafeteria