TEHRAN -- Educational workshops held as part of the Third Iranian University Students’ Intellectual Games Olympiad attracted 244 students at five universities across Iran during the first week of the program, resulting in the design of 29 intellectual games.
According to the secretariat of the Olympiad, the two-day workshops were held at Alzahra University, Iran University of Science and Technology, Tabriz Islamic Art University, the University of Birjand, and the University of Guilan. 
The initiative aims to strengthen students’ knowledge and practical skills in game design and help turn creative ideas into playable games.
Organized in cooperation with university scientific associations and student organizations, the Game Lab workshops provided hands-on training in the different stages of game development, from brainstorming and designing game mechanics to building prototypes, testing and refining rules, and preparing final versions.
Specialist mentors guided participants throughout the process. The Olympiad secretariat also provided game-design equipment and other resources to support the student organizations implementing the workshops. Practical training, teamwork, and expert guidance were central to the program.
According to figures released by the secretariat, the five workshops attracted a total of 244 
participants and resulted in the design of 29 intellectual games. Participants at Tabriz Islamic Art University also prepared 26 game concept sheets outlining their ideas and game mechanics.
The workshops attracted students from universities beyond the host institutions. At Alzahra University, participants included students from Iran University of Science and Technology, the National University of Skills in Qom, the University of Art in Tehran, Bu-Ali Sina University, the Central Tehran Branch of Islamic Azad University, and Shahid Beheshti University. 
Students from Alzahra University and the University of Isfahan also attended the workshop at Iran University of Science and Technology.
At the University of Guilan, participants included students from Shahid Chamran University, Dr. Shariati Technical and Vocational College for Women, and the Rasht Branch of Islamic Azad University. At Tabriz Islamic Art University, 30 students from other universities also took part.
The Game Lab workshops serve as a preliminary stage for entry into the Olympiad’s main boot camp. They aim to foster interaction among students, encourage the exchange of experiences, and support the development of innovative ideas. Identifying promising game concepts and guiding them toward the next stages of the Olympiad are also among the program’s objectives.
The Third Iranian University Students’ Intellectual Games Olympiad was organized with the support of the Ministry of Science, Research and Technology’s Deputy for Cultural and Social Affairs, in cooperation with the Art Unit of the Academic Center for Education, Culture and Research (ACECR). Amin Mokhtari served as the event’s secretary.