Summer School WISER

Welcome to the Summer School WISER – Wicked Games for Wicked Problems: Empowerment through Game Design. The Summer School takes place on 3–14 August 2026 online and in Halmstad, Sweden.

About the Summer School

Can you solve a wicked problem with a wicked game?

This summer school will engage you with a complex, culturally embedded wicked problem where no single solution exists. You will be part of a challenge-based, cross-cultural project that will challenge you to explore ways to empower and engage underprivileged groups.

Using social innovation, design thinking, and participatory approaches, you will learn how game mechanics, stories and rules can influence behaviour – while respecting cultural and ethical perspectives. Along the way, you will critically assess the limits and possibilities of games as tools for social change.

During the course you will:

Learn to understand how to identify weak signals for change and build trends.
Learn how to build real-world trends and use them to build worlds for gameplay.
Explore the difference between game play mechanics vs. game narrative.
Rebuild popular board games into tools to support social justice.
Utilise a creative FabLab environment.
Have fun, make and learn how international collaborations fuel innovation.

What is included?

Full participation in the programme (all education is free of charge)
5 light lunches and 2 dinners during the days in Halmstad.
Social and cultural activities.

Please note that travel and accommodation expenses are not included. However, these costs might be covered by Erasmus+ funding (Erasmus scholarship for short-term mobility) that you can apply for via your home university.

Benefits

You will receive a certificate of attendance.
By completing this course you will get 3 ECTS.
You will gain international experience useful for your future career.

Preliminary schedule

Please note that this is a preliminary schedule and changes might occur.
Several social activities will also be added as we finalise the programme.

Day	Time (CET).	Place	Activity
Tuesday, 4 August	13:15-16:00	Online via Zoom	Introduction and Teambuling

Wednesday, 5 August	13:15-16:00	Online via Zoom	Theoretical base and introduction to the challenge

Thursday, 6 August	13:15-16:00	Online via Zoom	Guest panel & independent group work

Friday, 7 August	13:15-16:00	Online via Zoom	Independent group work

Monday, 10 August	08:30-13:00	On campus	Meet and greet. Design game framework introduction.
	13:00-14:00	On campus	Lunch
	14:00-17:00	On campus	Creative workshop Remixing. Debrief.
	17:00-20:00	TBD	Social activities

Tuesday, 11 August	08:00-13:00	TBD	Excursion
	13:00-14:00	On campus	Lunch
	14:15-17:00	On campus	Feedback and debrief

Wednesday, 12 August	09:00-12:00	On campus	Studio time and prototyping
	12:00-13:00	On campus	Lunch
	13:15-16:00	On campus	Feedback and debrief
	16:30-20:00	TBD	Dinner and social activities

Thursday, 13 August	09:00-12:00	On campus	Studio time and prototyping - Finalizing and getting ready for the exhibition and mini gaming convention
	12:00-13:00	On campus	Lunch
	13:15-16:00	On campus	Final feedback and debrief
	17:00-20:00	On campus	Dinner and social activities

Friday, 14 August	09:00-10:30	On campus/Halmstad Public library	Setting up the exhibition
	11:00-11:30	Halmstad Public Library	Lunch
	12:00-15:00	Halmstad Public Library	Final presentations, exhibition and mini gaming convention open to the public
	15:00	Halmstad Public Library	Farewell fika

Important dates

Application deadline: 22 May
Admission information being sent out: 31 May
Part one: Online Summer School: 3–7 August
Part two: On-site Summer School in Halmstad, Sweden: 10–14 August

Travelling and accommodation

Airport alternatives

Copenhagen Airport (Kastrup Airport)

The largest airport in the region, with easily accessible trains to Halmstad straight from the terminals. Trains to Halmstad central station runs regularly, and Halmstad University is located only a 15 minute walk from the train station.

Gothenburg Airport (Landvetter Airport)

From Gothenburg airport you take the airport shuttle to Gothenburg Central Station where you change for the train to Halmstad central station. Halmstad University is located only a 15 minute walk from the train station.

Train tickets

Train tickets can be purchased in the airport or via the train company SJ’s website. Please note that you cannot buy tickets on the train and you risk being given a fine if you board without a valid ticket.

SJ website External link.

Accommodation

Student accommodation via the Student Union

Comfortable, fully furnished accommodation in a convenient location. The city center is just a 5-minute walk away, while campus can be reached in 20 minutes. The nearest beach and hiking trails are only 10 minutes away.

Single room

Price: 1325 SEK/person for the full stay (final cleaning included)
Bed linen and towel set: 150 SEK (optional)
Room size 22–25 m²
Furnished with a bed, desk and wardrobes. Shared kitchen included.

Shared room (2 tenants)

Price: 825 SEK/person for the full stay (final cleaning included)
Bed linen and towel set: 150 SEK (optional)
Room size 30–32 m²
Furnished with two beds, desk and wardrobes. Shared kitchen included. No private rooms. Shared with same gender.