DIGITAL GAMES RESEARCH
The interdisciplinary research group “Digital Games Research” investigates the multifaceted impact of digital games on society, culture, and the economy. This group focuses on the evolving role of digital games as a medium for entertainment, education, and social interaction. Key research areas include game design, player behavior, the integration of virtual and augmented reality, and the influence of digital games on cognitive development and social dynamics.
The group also explores the economic impact of the gaming industry and the potential of games to address social and educational challenges. By producing cutting-edge research, this group aims to advance understanding of digital games as both a cultural artifact and a powerful tool for innovation and learning.
This research direction is aligned with SDG 4 “Quality Education”, as it explores the use of digital games as innovative tools for learning and skill development. It also connects with SDG 9 “Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure”.
RESEARCH TEAM
Research coordinator: Mg. Anete Bērza, program director “Computer Game Design”.
Anete is an active researcher in the field of digital game design and project management, with a special focus on the application of Agile approaches in education and the creative industries. Her scientific interests include game-based learning methods, the effectiveness of educational games in skills acquisition, as well as sustainable and ethically responsible practices in game development.
She is involved in research focused on the use of digital solutions in education and develops innovative approaches to acquiring project management skills in the context of game design. Anete actively participates in conferences and develops scientific cooperation between academia and the game industry.
E-pasts: anete.berza@eka.edu.lv
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0002-9184-4040
Researchers
- MEng., Andrejs Birzgals, lecturer, EKA University of Applied Sciences (Latvia), SIA "SENSORA" – founder
- MS Jāzeps Rutkis, lecturer, EKA University of Applied Sciences (Latvia), Member of the Board of the Latvian Game Developers Association, SIA Bird Pals – CEO, SIA "Latvijas mobilais telefons" - Senior Software Development Engineer
- Mareks Miķelsons, lecturer, EKA University of Applied Sciences (Latvia), Ministry of Economics of the Republic of Latvia
- Andris Aleksandrs Priedītis, lecturer, EKA University of Applied Sciences (Latvia)
- Adam Mayes, Copenhagen Academy of Digitals arts, head of education (Denmark)
- Mg. Carlo Tuzza, Link Campus University, lecturer (Italy)
CONFORMITY WITH THE OBJECTIVES SET OUT IN THE NATIONAL+ STRATEGIC DOCUMENTS
- National Development Plan - NAP2027. Priority: Business Competitiveness and Material Well-being”, Direction: Productivity, innovation and export. https://www.pkc.gov.lv/sites/default/files/inline-files/NAP2027__ENG_2.pdf
- Research and Innovation Strategy for Smart Specialization - RIS3 (area: information and communication technologies) https://www.izm.gov.lv/en/smart-specialisation-strategy-ris3
- Technology and innovation development policy 2021-2027. https://polsis.mk.gov.lv/documents/7053
OUTCOMES
Research papers:
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Master theses:
Related projects:
RESEARCH DISSEMINATION & IMPACT
- 2026/04/22-23 Rutkis J. Review of the Latvian Game Industry in the Baltic Context. International Scientific Conference "Emerging Trends in Economics, Culture and Humanities" (etECH2026), Riga, Latvia.
- 2026/04/22-23 Bērza A. The Impact of Game-Based Learning on Motivation and Knowledge Acquisition in Agile Methodology Training. International Scientific Conference "Emerging Trends in Economics, Culture and Humanities" (etECH2026), Riga, Latvia.
- 2026/04/22-23 Birzgals A. The Role and Analysis of Physical Evidence in Cybercrime Investigations. International Scientific Conference "Emerging Trends in Economics, Culture and Humanities" (etECH2026), Riga, Latvia.
- 2026/04/22-23 Birzgals A. Superposition Technology Application in Interactive Manual Therapy Training Systems. International Scientific Conference "Emerging Trends in Economics, Culture and Humanities" (etECH2026), Riga, Latvia.
- 2026/04/22-23 Priedītis A.A. Rise of the Metagame: Situating Modern Video Game Structures in Aesthetic Framework. International Scientific Conference "Emerging Trends in Economics, Culture and Humanities" (etECH2026), Riga, Latvia.
- 2026/04/22-23 Čukova A. When Virtual Reality Becomes Too Real: How Ethically Appropriate Is Violence in VR Games. International Scientific Conference "Emerging Trends in Economics, Culture and Humanities" (etECH2026), Riga, Latvia.
- 2026/04/22-23 Šteinbergs A., Bērza A. From Competence Framework to Playable Missions: A Latvia Case of GreenComp and Climate Literacy in Gamified Digital Escape Rooms. International Scientific Conference "Emerging Trends in Economics, Culture and Humanities" (etECH2026), Riga, Latvia.
- 2025/11/20-21 Bērza A. Gamification Approach in Teaching Scrum for Culture Project Management – 16th International Creativity and Culture Conference, Lithuania.
- 2024/01/08 Ksenija Milča. Latvijas Radio 3 programme “Kāpēc dizains?” (Why design?)”. Discussion on digital games and design „Digitālās spēles un dizains”. https://klasika.lsm.lv/lv/raksts/kapec-dizains/digitalas-speles-un-dizains.a186382/
- 2023/10/25 Ksenija Milča. Latvijas Radio discussion on Latvian products and achievements in the global market. Latvian Radio researching video game development in Latvia “ Kādi ir latviešu ražojumi un sasniegumi globālajā tirgū? Latvijas Radio pēta videospēļu izstrādi Latvijā”. https://www.lsm.lv/raksts/dzive--stils/tehnologijas-un-zinatne/25.10.2023kadi-ir-latviesu-razojumi-un-sasniegumi-globalaja-tirgu-latvijas-radio-peta-videospeluizstradilatvija.a529033/?utm_source=lsm&utm_medium=theme&utm_campaign=theme#6
- 2022/10/08 News portal DELFI published an opinion publication by Andrejs Birzgalis, lecturer of the EKA study programme "Computer Game Design and Graphics", on the profession of a game developer and market opportunities. https://www.delfi.lv/a/54822146
Other activities:
COLLABORATION WITH INDUSTRY & ACADEMIA & PUBLIC SECTOR & NGOs
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