The Games Institute is a unique interdisciplinary research center at the University of Waterloo, a one-of-a-kind space dedicated to everyone who care about games and interactive experiences. It is not just another lab; it is an energetic community where researchers, students, and creators from diverse backgrounds come together to explore the world of play.

What makes the Games Institute so special is its focus on community. It is a social hub as much as it is a research hub, creating a welcoming environment for all sorts of individuals. From computer scientists and engineers to artists and humanists, the institute is a hodgepodge of ideas and perspectives.

For me, the Games Institute was a home for over three years (2022-2025). It was an honour to be a part of such a beautiful community, a place that not only encouraged research but also promoted a sense of belonging. While the University of Waterloo has cut its funding in 2025, the legacy of the Games Institute lives on in the minds of those who were lucky enough to be a part of it. It was a truly special place, and its impact on the world of interactive research should not be forgotten. Along with people who created and maintained it.