About us

SP26 (STARTPLAY Conference 2026) is an interdisciplinary conference focusing on gamification, serious games, human-centered work systems, and innovative approaches to learning, engineering, and organizational development. The conference brings together researchers, industry experts, educators, and practitioners working on the design and application of game-based approaches to improve motivation, engagement, creativity, learning, and performance in business, engineering, education, and work environments.

Important Dates

Sun, May 17, 2026

Abstract registration deadline

Sun, May 24, 2026

Abstract Acceptance Notification

Sun, Aug 2, 2026

Submission deadline

Sun, Aug 30, 2026

End of review period

Tue, Sep 1, 2026

Notification of Acceptance

Wed, Sep 30, 2026

Camera-Ready Submission

Sat, Aug 15, 2026

Poster Abstract Submission Deadline

Wed, Aug 26, 2026

Poster Notification of Acceptance

Wed, Sep 30, 2026

Final Poster Version Deadline

Paper Submission

Research Paper Submission Tracks

Gamified business models and services

Gamification in digital products, platforms, and services

Gamification for customer experience and user engagement

Gamification in innovation processes and engineering

Serious games and game-based approaches in product development

Gamification for creativity, ideation, and open innovation

Gamification in work environments and organizations

Motivation, engagement, and performance in modern workplaces

Gamification in agile work methods and organizational change

Gamification in education and training

Game-based learning in STEM / MINT education

Serious games for professional training and competence development

Gamification in universities, schools, and lifelong learning

Game-based simulations and learning environments

Psychological and motivational foundations of gamification

Design methods and frameworks for gamification systems

Call for Papers Description

All submissions must be original and must not be simultaneously submitted to another journal or conference. The conference accepts Full papers, Short papers, Posters, Industrial contributions, and Demonstrations.