The Game Studies Watchlist newsletter, curated by Prof Dr Rudolf Inderst, is published weekly on GamesMarkt. This week's topics include a new Master's in Game Studies, the TH Cologne's summer school, creepypasta and more.
AHOI there, game studies operators!
Okay, okay, from time to time, all you need is a deep and honest declaration of affection and love. And today, I will give to you one of "those" videos. I turned on the news this morning and thought to myself, yes, THIS is exactly the right time for an short essay like this one. So, here we go (and thanks, Innuendo Studios, for finding the right words!)
The Outer Worlds is a rich case study in narrative design, ethics, and player agency. To me, this game really is some sort of microcosm of what Game Studies examines: how games tell stories, simulate worlds, engage players, and reflect societal values; the title demonstrates how player choice can meaningfully shape not only narrative outcomes but also the moral framework through which a game world is understood. The Outer Worlds highlights the medium’s unique ability to critique real-world systems, such as capitalism and corporate power, by embedding them directly into your interactive experience. So, let's enjoy this essay together and hope, that someday we get more than five minutes!
Play Story Press has announced a call for proposals for the second edition of Teaching the Game, an edited volume focused on innovative approaches to game education. The book aims to bring together educators, designers, and researchers who teach with and about games, highlighting course designs, pedagogical strategies, and practical experiences from diverse contexts. Contributors are invited to submit proposals that showcase how games are used in teaching, whether through design, analysis, or critical engagement, with an emphasis on sharing adaptable syllabi and teaching practices. The collection continues the mission of the first volume by making game-based learning visible, actionable, and relevant across disciplines. More info.
When The Guadian's one and only Keza MacDonald writes about one of my favorite gaming memories, I have to point to it: "Life Is Strange has always been corny but it has also always been earnest, grounded in friendship and feelings." Read the whole article right here.
Starting Fall 2026, the Master’s in Game Studies at the Faculty of Social Sciences, Charles University in Prague offers an interdisciplinary approach to understanding games as cultural, social, and media phenomena. Students explore the history, production, and reception of digital and non-digital games, combining theory with practical insights. This two-year, English-language programme prepares graduates for careers in the games industry, media, research, or cultural institutions. Applications are open until April 30, 2026. More info.
Have I mentioned before, that I l o v e image films? Yes, even the tiny ones!
From 31 August to 2 September 2026, Cologne Game Lab at TH Köln is hosting a three‑day intensive Planetary Futures summer school on how games engage with ecological crises and sustainability. Participants, including game designers, researchers, and early‑career creatives, will explore ecological narratives, sustainable development practices, and responsible game design, with workshops, keynotes, collaborative sessions, and play tests that bridge research and practice. Applications are open until 15 May 2026 with no participation fee; attendees are encouraged to bring poster projects and actively contribute to discussions on games and the planet. More info.
Indie horror games rooted in the Backrooms creepypasta phenomenon have surged in popularity over the past few years, with standout titles like Exit 8 and The Complex: Found Footage. A recent MIT feature leverages these games to dissect the concept of “institutional gothic”, a bold, contemporary reimagining of Victorian horror staged in sterile office blocks and sprawling shopping malls. Thank you very much, Keith Stuart for notifying! More info.
Here's a little something for our German-speaking readers: Jörg Luibl has informed us on LinkedIn, that spielvertiefung.de is online with a new website! "Faster, more maritime, even with a hand-drawn sea dragon in the depths! Without ads, without clickbait, without AI, but with a lot of gaming culture for all Steady supporters".
... unfortunately, my Japanese is not good enough for this new publication.
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Cheers and stay healthy, Rudolf
