Tallinn University to host the international game-based learning conference ECGBL 2027
Tallinn University will host the 21st European Conference on Game-Based Learning (ECGBL 2027) from 6 to 8 October 2027. The conference will bring together nearly 200 participants, including researchers, academics, game designers, and education professionals from around the world, to share the latest research findings and developments in game-based learning.
ECGBL is a long-established international academic conference that has been held for 20 years in various European countries, including Germany, Austria, Spain, Portugal, and Denmark. The conference typically attracts participants from more than 40 countries worldwide. It explores both the theoretical foundations of game-based learning and the practical application of games in education, business, healthcare, and other fields.
Game-based learning combines the engaging nature of games with educational objectives, offering opportunities to make learning more active, practical, and motivating. Games are used in primary, secondary, and higher education, as well as in professional training, for example, to practise complex skills, develop problem-solving abilities, and foster collaboration.
Researchers from the Games and Learning Research Group at Tallinn University's School of Digital Technologies are contributing to the organisation of ECGBL 2027. The conference co-chairs are Mikhail Fiadotau, Lecturer of Serious Games, and Peadar Callaghan, Junior Researcher and Head of the Digital Learning Games master's programme.
According to Martin Sillaots, Programme Chair of the conference and Associate Professor of Serious Games at Tallinn University, hosting ECGBL 2027 is an excellent opportunity to bring the international research community to Tallinn to exchange experiences and showcase the work being done at the university.
"At Tallinn University, we are advancing game-based learning through both research and teaching. Our Games and Learning Research Group investigates the use of games in education and other fields, while our Digital Learning Games master's programme trains specialists who can design games that support learning. I believe that hosting this conference will further strengthen Tallinn University's position on the international research map in the field of serious games," added Sillaots.
The conference will also feature the 15th International Educational Games Competition, where game developers can showcase their educational games. The competition welcomes completed games, projects under development, and student-created games. On 6 October, the first day of the conference, a playday will give conference participants and local enthusiasts the opportunity to try out the games entered in the competition.
ECGBL 2027 will take place on the Tallinn University campus. One way to participate in the conference is to submit and present a research paper related to games. The call for abstracts is already open, with a submission deadline of 17 March 2027. Further details about the conference programme and keynote speakers will be announced in the coming months.
More information about the conference, participation opportunities, and important deadlines is available on the official ECGBL 2027 website.