We are an experimental research and development lab that fosters the production of computer games and game-related research.

The UCLA Game Lab emphasizes conceptual risk-taking and the development of new modes of expression and form through gaming.

Mission

The lab supports exploration of these areas of focus: Game Aesthetics through experimentation in the look, sound, language and tactility of games; Game Context through development of games that involve the body, new interfaces, physical space and performance in new ways; and Game Genres through examination of the socio-historic-political discourse around games and the development of new game genres that challenge the presently accepted boundaries of what games are about.

The UCLA Game Lab differs from more traditional game development contexts through an emphasis on conceptual risk-taking and development of new modes of expression and form through gaming. The lab supports projects that will establish new paradigms for gaming that emphasize the self-reliance and personal expression of the gaming artist.

What we do

The UCLA Game Lab’s primary function is as a research and production space for collaborative teams to pursue focused work on gaming projects, while benefiting from the technological infrastructure and expertise provided by the lab staff and faculty. This type of incubation space creates a context of community, interdisciplinary exchange, privacy, focus and continuity that is vitally conducive toward the completion of ambitious game projects.

In addition to producing games and research the lab also functions as a center that develops public programing around critical issues in gaming, including: public lectures, workshops, exhibitions, a visiting artist program, and an annual public festival at the Hammer Museum.

People

At UCLA, the Game Lab encourages the development of organic relationships across a multitude of disciplines. Game production and research brings together individuals from visual art, design, media art, animation, music, theater, film, dance, creative writing, architecture, sociology, philosophy, psychology, history, computer science, engineering, and many other fields. The possibilities for synergy among these disciplines and gaming at UCLA are tremendous.

People

At UCLA, the Game Lab encourages the development of organic relationships across a multitude of disciplines. Game production and research brings together individuals from disciplines such as visual art, design, media art, animation, music, theater, film, dance, creative writing, architecture, sociology, philosophy, psychology, history, computer science, and engineering; the possibilities for synergy between these disciplines and gaming at UCLA are tremendous. Take a look at some of the people in the lab here.

Visting Artist Program

The UCLA Game Lab visiting artist program provides exposure to new art and new ideas. Removed from the daily grind of class and homework, esteemed visitors to the college give students a dynamic understanding of what it means to be a professional artist in the ever-elusive “real world.” Past visiting artists include:

Blast Theory
Mark Essen
Nova Jiang
Jeremy Bailey
Isabelle Arvers
Jon Peterson
Aram Bartholl
Angele Washko
Tales of Tales
Isla Hansen
Jake Elliot
Tamas Kemenczy
NASA JPL
Funktronic Labs
Gregg Tavares
Tetsu Kondo
David Mershon
Jim Munroe
Celia Pearce
Joseph Delappe
Daqri
Chad Takenaka
Scott Lee
Lea Schönfelder
Chris Solarski
Live Game Labs
Brad Nelson
Aaron Casillas
Paolo Pedercini
Scott Stoddard
Walter Langelaar
Clinton Keith

Sponsors

We recognize with gratitude the following organizations that provide essential support for programming, exhibitions, and projects.

Partner Organizations

Each year the UCLA Game Lab partners with foundations, organizations, and individuals to present international exhibitions, performance programs, film series, and educational activities. Below are some of the organizations we have worked with.

Hammer Museum
LACMA
Spencer Art Museum
MOCA
Northern Lights.mn
MCAD
Carnegie Mellon
Glitch.mn
Bug Lab
Powell Library
Eniarof
Amber Festival
A MAZE
Vector Festival
Indiecade Festival
GDC
Hyper Cube
Giant Robot
Swissnex

HOW DO I GET INVOLVED WITH THE GAMELAB?

At UCLA, the Game Lab encourages the development of organic relationships across a multitude of disciplines. Game production and research brings together individuals from diverse disciplines such as visual art, design, media art, animation, music, theater, film, dance, creative writing, architecture, sociology, philosophy, psychology, history, computer science, and engineering; the possibilities for synergy between these disciplines and gaming at UCLA are tremendous.

Location