Game on: Transforming cognitive research at the U of A

University of Alberta research using video games to study cognition demonstrates another connection between Edmonton’s academic community and interactive technology. Researchers use games and game-like environments to examine how people learn, make decisions and process information, taking advantage of the controlled but interactive experiences games can provide. While the work is primarily academic rather than commercial game production, it broadens Alberta’s expertise around games beyond entertainment development. Research involving game design, player behaviour and interactive systems can contribute knowledge relevant to developers, educators and other organizations working with interactive media. Combined with the University of Alberta’s game-development education and established strengths in computing and artificial intelligence, this research reinforces Edmonton’s role as a centre where games are both produced and studied as a technology and medium.