SPECIAL PLAYGROUNDS ACADEMY WORKSHOPS DURING DUTCH GAME WEEK
Want to go beyond the talks and panels? These workshops bring the hands-on learning experience of Playgrounds Academy straight to Breda and giving you the chance to work directly alongside some of the most talented artists and developers in the games industry.
Check out our selection of workshops and get your tickets here.
When developing a visual universe, it’s easy to get lost in a sea of good ideas. This workshop teaches you how to choose, develop and evaluate the artistic pillars that form the foundation of your project and more importantly, how to strengthen them against each other to build a holistic visual identity that makes your work both meaningful and recognisable.
Date: 18 Nov 2026
Location: BUas, Frontier Building
Time: 13:00 – 17:00
🎟️ More info & tickets
Rasmus Poulsen is the Art Director behind IO Interactive’s highly anticipated title 007 First Light responsible for defining the visual language and art pillars of the Bond universe’s newest chapter.
In just an afternoon, you’ll explore the theory and practice of ray tracing and path tracing, for simple scenes as well as more elaborate ones.
Several “tracks” let you pick the challenges that suit you in this interactive workshop. Suitable for anyone that can wield C++ fluently, with challenges for a broad range of skill levels.
Date: 17 Nov 2026
Location: BUas, Frontier Building
Time: 13:00 – 17:00
🎟️ More info & tickets
Jacco Bikker is senior lecturer and researcher at Breda University. He specializes in real-time ray tracing for games, which is also the topic of his Ph.D. thesis.
During this workshop you’ll walk through the process of creating a compelling stylised creature design from the very first idea to finished color.
Nicholas we’ll share tips and process from over ten years working full-time in Procreate.
You’ll leave with new insights into the character design process, as well as tips and tricks specific to Procreate.
Date: 18 Nov 2026
Location: BUas, Mgr. Hopmansstraat 2, Breda – Frontier Building
Time: 13:00 – 17:00
🎟️ More info & tickets
Nicholas Kole has worked across film, television, publishing, video games, trading cards & toys. He’s currently working at Studio MDHR on the recently announced sequel to Cuphead.
In this workshop you’ll learn to utilize trim textures on medium poly assets. Senior Environment Artist Isa Raaijmakers will demonstrate how you can optimize your development cycle by creating a wide variety of assets with limited textures.
You’ll work on a 3D model that you’ll texture with textures provided by Isa, you’re free to adjust these textures during the workshop
Date: 17 Nov 2026
Location: BUas, Mgr. Hopmansstraat 2, Breda – Frontier Building
Time: 13:00 – 17:00
More info & tickets
Isa Raaijmakers has been working as an environment artist at Twirlbound for five years.
