GameDev & XR Meetup Thüringen #4: XR as the Key to fixing shortages of qualified staff?
On December 3, 2024, the GameDev & XR Meetup Thüringen gathered once again, this time at the Jena Digital Innovation Hub (JEDI), for an evening of innovation, exploration, and meaningful connections. The fourth edition of the meetup posed an exciting question: How can XR and gamification unlock the full potential of employees in the workplace? Under the theme “Game Over for the Skills Shortage,” attendees dove into the intersection of immersive technologies and workforce development.
A Night of Inspiration and Insights
The evening kicked off with a thought-provoking keynote from rooom AG, showcasing how immersive training solutions can transform onboarding processes. Their presentation emphasized the dual benefits of XR: making training not only more effective but also more engaging and motivational.
Next, the spotlight turned to Consensive GmbH, a Weimar-based innovator in Mixed Reality. CEO Alexander Kulik and colleague Max Pagel introduced a groundbreaking XR solution developed in collaboration with ZeTT and asphericon GmbH. The project demonstrated how new employees can safely learn to operate complex machinery using social Mixed Reality, minimizing risks and disruptions to production.
Attendees had the chance to experience the VR solution firsthand during a live demo—a definite highlight of the night. The immersive interaction sparked curiosity and excitement, setting the stage for deeper discussions.
Interactive Discussions and Key Takeaways
The Q&A session opened up valuable dialogue on the challenges and opportunities within XR. A major theme was how principles from game development—such as game and level design—could enhance user experiences in XR applications. The exchange of ideas and perspectives underscored the potential for interdisciplinary collaboration to tackle challenges in the XR space. As PlayInsight we are very interested in taking part in these kinds of challenges.
Networking and Building Connections
As the presentations wrapped up, the meetup transitioned into a relaxed networking phase, complete with drinks and engaging conversations.
A Community United by Passion
The success of this meetup highlights the growing enthusiasm and talent within Thüringen’s GameDev and XR community. It’s inspiring to see local innovators and global ideas come together to shape the future of immersive technologies.
A heartfelt thank you goes out to rooom.com, Consensive GmbH, and JENA Digital for their contributions and hospitality. And of course, to all the attendees—your presence and passion make these events truly special.
What’s Next?
Stay tuned for details about the next GameDev & XR Meetup Thüringen! Join us on our Discord and follow our Meetup group to stay connected, share ideas, and help us continue building a vibrant community.
Let’s keep the momentum going!
