During the Pentecost weekend, I was invited as a lecturer to the seminar
“More Than Fun? The Significance of Play for the Individual and Society”,
organized by the German Academic Scholarship Foundation (Studienstiftung des deutschen Volkes).
The seminar brought together students from a range of disciplines—philosophy, engineering, cultural studies and science—creating a stimulating mix of viewpoints. This diversity allowed us to explore play not just as recreation, but as a cultural practice, a mirror for society, and a methodological tool.
Keynote and workshop
I opened the weekend with a keynote lecture on the multiple roles play takes in our everyday and social lives—roles that go far beyond mere entertainment.
Later I held a full-day workshop which was structured to engage the students on multiple levels:
- Historical treasure hunt (Schnitzeljagd): Participants explored the heritage of traditional games—discovering their rules, social functions and parallels to our modern society.
- Showcase of notable digital games: We examined a curated selection spanning art, science, and entertainment—showing how digital play reflects and shapes cultural narratives.
- Mini game jam: Finally, participants teamed up to design board games, applying insights from history, theory, and modern games in a creative sprint.
What struck me most was the students’ curiosity and openness. In a setting that balanced critical reflection with creative experimentation, thoughtful prototypes emerged, sparking dialogue across theoretical, historical, and digital dimensions.
For me, the seminar underlined one key insight: academic discourse and play-based methods can enrich each other profoundly. Play isn’t trivial—it’s central to how we learn, communicate, and design culture.
Group picture by: Sebastian Knackstedt