DIGI-AGE Game Development & Coding Academy
[2021-2-TR01-KA220-YOU-000051441]
Project Type: Erasmus+ KA220-YOU
Granting Organization: Turkish National Agency and European Commission
Project No: 2021-2-TR01-KA220-YOU-000051441
Project Partner Organizations: Bilisim Vadisi (Turkey), TtB (Norway), BRAVO (Bosnia & Herzegovina), VSI InoproLT (Lithuania)
TPM-1 Kick-off Meeting Report
Event Date: 09.08.2022
Event Location: Bilishim Vadisi Headquarters - Gebze, Turkey
The first Transnational Project Meeting (TPM) of the "DIGI-AGE Game Development & Coding Academy" carried out within the scope of Erasmus+ KA220-YOU took place on 09.08.2022 at the BIlishim Vadisi Headquarters. Representatives from the Bilishim Vadisi (Turkey), TtB (Norway), BRAVO (Bosnia & Herzegovina), and VSI InoproLT (Lithuania) participated in the event. The project aims to develop the Turkish gaming industry by organizing Mobile Game and Scenario Development Camps, creating educational toolkits, hosting International Game Development Forums, establishing a digital platform, and conducting hackathons and online events. It aligns with the European Commission's Youth Strategy and aims to enhance participants' knowledge, skills, and attitudes in coding, game development, and intercultural learning. The project also seeks to strengthen organizations' capacities in non-formal education, project management, and partnership development. Overall, it aims to foster the growth of the Turkish gaming industry and promote active citizenship among young people. TtB Association was represented by Mehman Ahmadli and Pakiza Ahmadli. The day's program began with registration and welcoming, followed by the opening speech and project introduction. The general information presentation about the project was made by the project manager. The introduction of partner organizations and participants was carried out through short presentations by each organization. During the break and lunchtime, participants had the opportunity for networking and social interaction. After the breaks, the examination of project goals and activities continued in the event, ensuring the sharing of responsibilities and expectations. After lunch, work packages and task distribution were discussed. Agreements were reached on the details of work packages and tasks, and task distribution was made. Following the coffee break, monitoring and evaluation mechanisms, communication, and dissemination strategies were focused on. The event concluded with a Q&A session, the participants' questions being answered, and closing remarks. The planning of future meetings was also among the discussions. This successful TPM-1 event was considered an important start for the project.
Evaluation: The first Transnational Project Meeting (TPM) of the Traditional Sports and Games History Research Project was held on 06.04.2023 at the World Ethnosport Confederation Headquarters. This evaluation report has been prepared to ensure the successful launch of the project and to determine the results of the event.
1. Event Process
The event was successfully conducted following the planned program. Effective communication was established among participants, and a common understanding of the project's goals and activities was developed. All sessions were conducted according to the schedule, and there were no setbacks during the event process.
2. Participant Feedback
Feedback was collected from participants at the end of the event. In general, participants were satisfied with the organization and operation of the TPM-1 Kick-off Meeting. Sharing information about the project's objectives and activities enabled participants to contribute more to the project.
3. Event Outcomes
The TPM-1 event is valuable in terms of successfully launching the project and bringing together partners to exchange information about the project. Joint decisions were made on work packages and task distribution, and monitoring and evaluation processes to be followed in the later stages of the project were determined. Also, sharing communication and dissemination strategies is crucial for the project's promotion and sustainability.
4. Next Steps
Following the TPM-1 Kick-off Meeting, the following steps are planned to ensure the successful continuation of the Traditional Sports and Games History Research Project:
a) Fulfilling Tasks According to Work Packages and Progressing According to the Timeline: All partner organizations will fulfill their responsibilities and ensure the project progresses according to the timeline based on the work packages and task distribution determined at the event.
b) Regularly Conducting Monitoring and Evaluation Processes and Preparing Necessary Reports: Monitoring and evaluation processes related to the project will be carried out regularly. Within this scope, the level of achievement of the project's goals and partners' performance will be assessed, and necessary reports will be prepared and shared with relevant parties.
c) Conducting Awareness-Raising Activities in Line with Communication and Dissemination Strategies: Awareness-raising activities will be conducted following communication and dissemination strategies to reach a wide audience with the project's goals and results. This will increase the project's impact and sustainability.
d) Planning Future TPM Events: TPM events, which will be held regularly to ensure the project's successful continuation and progress, will be planned. These events will not only encourage the sharing of knowledge and experience among partners but also allow for updates on the project's goals and activities.
LTT-1 (Learning Training Teaching activities)
Event Date: 04.09.2022-11.09.2022
Event Location: Bilishim Vadisi, in Gebze, Turkey
The LTT-1 event of the DIGI-AGE Game Development & Coding Academy took place from September 4th to September 11th, 2022, in Kocaeli, Turkey. The event aimed to enhance the Turkish gaming industry and promote its international growth. It consisted of Mobile Game and Scenario Development Camps, the creation of educational toolkits, and the organization of the International Game Development Forum.
The event welcomed participants from Norway, Lithuania, and Bosnia and Herzegovina, totaling 7 participants from each country, including both young people and staff members. The participants, aged between 13 and 30, showed great interest in the project topics and were highly motivated to engage in all activities.
Throughout the event, participants had the opportunity to receive training on game development theory and practical skills, with a focus on mobile games and scenarios. Collaboration with companies such as TRT and Sendir, under the auspices of the Ministry of Youth and Sports and the Ministry of Industry and Technology, contributed to the event's success.
An important outcome of the event was the creation of a toolkit that included educational content on coding, game scenario development, and game development. This toolkit incorporated innovative learning methods and techniques, serving as an intellectual output of the project.
The highlight of the event was the International Game Development Forum, where representatives from the gaming sector gathered to share insights, discuss industry trends, and foster collaboration. The forum aimed to strengthen the sector and generate a policy document or strategy plan for further development.
Participants were provided with accommodations and meals within the camp area at the Bilisim Vadisi Campus. Tents and sleeping bags were prepared for their comfort, with the option of limited hotel accommodation available for those who required it.
Overall, the LTT-1 event of the DIGI-AGE Game Development & Coding Academy was a successful endeavor that contributed to the growth of the Turkish gaming industry and provided valuable training and networking opportunities for participants.
TPM-2 (Transnational Project Meeting)
Event Date: 07.04.2023
Event Location: Bilishim Vadisi, in Gebze, Turkey
The TPM-2 event of the DIGI-AGE Game Development & Coding Academy took place on April 7th, 2023, in Kocaeli, Turkey. At the second international meeting of TPM2, the evaluation of past work, survey studies in the remaining process of the project, promotion of the project, planning of intellectual output work in the project, as well as the determination of the third TPM will be discussed, in addition to the remaining payment details in the project.
LTT-2 (Learning Training Teaching activities)
Event Date: 02.04.2023-06.04.2023
Event Location: Bilishim Vadisi, in Gebze, Turkey
The LTT-2 event of the DIGI-AGE Game Development & Coding Academy took place from September 4th to September 11th, 2022, in Kocaeli, Turkey. The event aimed to enhance the Turkish gaming industry and promote its international growth. It consisted of Mobile Game and Scenario Development Camps, the creation of educational toolkits, and the organization of the International Game Development Forum.
The event welcomed participants from Norway, Lithuania, and Bosnia and Herzegovina, totaling 7 participants from each country, including both young people and staff members. The participants, aged between 13 and 30, showed great interest in the project topics and were highly motivated to engage in all activities.
The LTT-2 event of the DIGI-AGE Game Development & Coding Academy took place over several days, starting on Sunday, April 2nd. On the first day, participants arrived and checked into their hotels, followed by a greeting session.
The second day began with an opening ceremony and an introduction to the activities. A workshop and discussions were held on topics such as the Erasmus+ program, European citizenship, and the general situation of the digital gaming ecosystem, presented by Emre Yıldız. Participants enjoyed lunch and engaged in workshops on active citizenship, cross-cultural learning, and the role of young people in the digital gaming ecosystem.
On Tuesday, the focus shifted to game development processes, game design, content creation, and marketing strategies. Havva Nur Solhan from Happy Crab Studio shared insights in this area, followed by a presentation by Semiramis Kulak on financing and investment in the digital game ecosystem. Workshops were also held on the development of game scenarios and the digital competencies of young people and NGOs.
Wednesday featured a workshop on the current status of the gaming ecosystem in the project partner countries. Collaboration and networking workshops provided participants with opportunities to connect and share experiences. A field visit to bugGameLab near Galataport in Istanbul allowed participants to explore future trends and technologies in the digital gaming ecosystem, guided by Güven Çatak.
The fifth day marked the International Game Development Forum (Summit), where a strategy paper was declared. The forum provided a platform for industry representatives to collaborate and shape the future direction of the gaming sector.
The event concluded on Thursday, April 6th, with a closing session. Throughout the LTT-2 event, participants had the chance to attend workshops, gain knowledge about the gaming ecosystem, discuss key topics, visit relevant institutions, and actively contribute to the development of strategies and policies in the industry.
