Institute of Visual Computing (IVC)

H-BRS presents research diversity and study programs at Gamescom 2025

Tuesday 2 September 2025

Gamescom is not only a showcase for new games, but also a place where the social significance of games becomes visible. According to a recent study by the industry association game, the majority of Germans see positive effects of games on the economy, technology and education. Bonn-Rhine-Sieg University of Applied Sciences, together with the Institute of Visual Computing (IVC), the Department of Computer Science and the Department of Engineering and Communication (IWK), presented itself at the trade fair in Cologne for the sixth time in front of a sensational 357,000 visitors.

Experience virtual heights

Many visitors were drawn to the VR fear of heights demonstration. On a virtual plank between high-rise buildings, they were able to experience how intensely virtual reality triggers feelings. The simulation was developed by Tobias Bromberg and other research assistants. Together they are researching how VR can be used in therapy, training and applied research.

Project: Fear of heights demo

Students present puzzle adventure game Honu

Another crowd-puller was the puzzle adventure game Honu, which is being developed by the student GameDev team in the Game Studio of the Department of Computer Science and the IVC. The aim is to publish the game on platforms such as Steam by the end of 2025. The GameDev team currently consists of 13 game developers from various departments who are involved in the areas of game design & story, graphics, programming and sound design.

Honu - A student GameDev project from idea to release

MyJong as an educational game

The IVC also presented the educational game MyJong. It is based on familiar game mechanics and trains concentration and memory in an entertaining way. The project thus shows how playful approaches can also be used in education and research.

Project: MyJong - Learning rethought in a playful way!

Robotics at the IWK department

The Department of Engineering and Communication presented a Robocup Junior robot. This is based on the Open Robotic Board (ORB) and demonstrated at the trade fair how robotic systems can recognise obstacles and overcome them independently.

Project: Robocup Junior - Rescue Line with ORB robot

Gamescom as a platform for research and young talent

With over 37 million gamers in Germany and an average age of just under 40, gaming has long since arrived at the centre of society. For H-BRS, Gamescom is therefore more than just a trade fair. It is a platform for research cooperation, for dialogue with the industry and for attracting young talent.

Majority of Germans see positive impact of games on the economy, technology and education

The university's participation in Gamescom 2025 was a complete success. With projects from virtual reality, game development, educational games and robotics, Bonn-Rhine-Sieg University of Applied Sciences showed how closely research, teaching and the social relevance of games are linked.

In addition to professors, alumni and other university members, President Marion Halfmann also visited the university's stand. It was her first time at Gamescom and she took the time to visit all the stations and was very impressed. Trade fairs such as Gamescom are becoming increasingly important. They are not only important for prospective students who want to find out about the degree programmes offered by H-BRS, but also for an international audience, potential cooperation partners from research and companies, funding bodies and for exchanges with other universities

„It's also an opportunity for our students to exhibit the things we do during our studies and to present our university to the outside world. Just like Gamescom, we are also creative and international, which is why this is a good place to be.”

Prof Dr Marion Halfmann - President