Visitors stepping into the Turku UAS’s ICT‑City often stop in surprise: standing nearly two meters tall, the iconic blue hero Sonic the Hedgehog greets everyone at the lobby. For many, the statue is a fun curiosity, but behind it lies a meaningful chapter in Turku UAS’s long and influential history in the Finnish game industry.
Julkaistu:
Muokattu:
A Gift from the Gaming World
The Sonic statue arrived in 2013, when Turku UAS celebrated the opening of the Turku Game Lab. At the time, the Swedish distributor PanVision donated several game character statues to mark the occasion.
Alongside Sonic came characters from Tekken and Metal Gear Solid’s legendary Snake, helping to create an atmosphere that matched the ambition of the new lab: a space where students, professionals, and companies could collaborate on real game development projects.
Competence track
Game and Interactive Technologies
Over the years, the original Turku Game Lab has evolved, expanded, and sharpened its identity. Today, Information and Communications Technology students can choose the Game and Interactive Technologies competence track.
The pioneer spirit continue to support a new generation of developers, designers, producers, and digital creators, blending modern tools with hands‑on learning.
A pioneer in Finnish game education
Turku UAS has long been recognized as one of Finland’s trailblazing universities of applied sciences in game development. Well before game degrees became mainstream, Turku UAS established strong networks with studios, publishers, creative technology companies, and international partners. Many alumni have gone on to work for or establish successful game studios, contributing to Finland’s vibrant gaming ecosystem.
Looking toward the future
Turku UAS continues to update its curricula, deepen its partnerships, and provide students with opportunities to explore emerging technologies such as XR and AI‑assisted creation. All of these themes are constantly reshaped under the umbrella of interactive technologies.
As a symbol of this ongoing journey, Sonic stands at the entrance as if ready to dash toward the next challenge: a reminder that the technology industry never stands still, and neither does Turku UAS.