The Game Science Institute is set to host the '2026 Game Science Forum' on September 4th, starting at 2:00 PM at the National Library of Korea's International Conference Hall.

The event revolves around the theme 'Playground Effect - Future Education Shaped by AI and Games.' It seeks to redefine games and AI as a 'Digital Playground' to aid the development of future generations, exploring how this technological and psychological convergence can trigger a new era of learning for children and adolescents.

In an era of rapid digital transformation, the old 'Screen Time' perspective of simply limiting device exposure is hitting a wall. This forum aims to push for a paradigm shift in policy and regulatory philosophy, helping the next generation navigate digital environments both safely and productively.

The forum will bring together researchers in psychology, pedagogy, and game studies, as well as industry leaders from the game and AI sectors, and media representatives.

Keynote speaker and cognitive psychology expert Professor Kim Kyung-il will dive into the psychological motives behind human immersion in 'play.' Professor Kim Kyung-il intends to challenge the limitations of existing control-and-block regulations, advocating for a shift toward 'game literacy' based on adolescent psychology. The keynote aims to provide parents and educators with practical insights on how to transform games from sources of conflict into tools for emotional resilience and cognitive development.

The main sessions will follow, split into two tracks: the educational synergy between AI and games, and the creation of healthy gaming environments in the post-digital era.

In the first session, Seoul National University's Professor Kim Ki-han will present on 'The Playground Effect and Educational Potential of Games and eSports.' The professor will explain how the 'playground effect'—where collaborative knowledge is built through interaction, observation, and feedback in expanded digital spaces—highlights the social and educational potential of games and eSports.

Following this, KRAFTON's team leader Kim Hyun-seung will discuss 'AI Playing Together: From Play to Learning,' proposing that the process of discovering and solving problems alongside AI in games can serve as a new interface to naturally expand a player's learning and problem-solving abilities.

The second session features Anyang University's Professor Lee Seung-hoon, who will offer 'Policy Proposals for Creating a User-Friendly Gaming Environment.' Professor Lee Seung-hoon will reflect on government-led legal regulations and suggest policies that leverage global platform technology tools to build safe and sustainable environments for the future generation.

Next, Ewha Womans University's Professor Jin Ye-won will address 'Conceptual Confusion in Measuring Gaming Disorder: Implications for Post-Digital Policy.' Professor Jin Ye-won plans to examine the cultural and linguistic nuances between gaming and gambling, suggesting policy directions based on scientific evidence for post-digital conditions.

The closing panel discussion will be moderated by cultural psychologist Han Min, Director of Sapiens Island's Corporate Research Institute, who will gather feedback from both speakers and the audience.

Director Kim Kyung-il stated, "The 2026 Game Science Forum will serve as an opportunity to move away from unconditional exclusion or isolation of games and AI, establishing a constructive perspective focused on education and utility. We aim to present a practical policy roadmap for building a balanced game ecosystem where innovation and autonomous safety coexist."

For more information, you can check the official website of the 2026 Game Science Forum at 2026.gnsforum.com.