In November, the first phase of the international project Diversity Game Mixer took place in Tel Aviv. The project brings together young developers from Europe and Israel with the aim of creating an educational VR game exploring themes of diversity, inclusion, empathy, and social awareness. The Czech Republic was represented by three young and talented developers: Bohdan Frolov, Irina Kostina, and Anežka Mlázovská, who took part in a rich program of lectures, workshops, and an intensive game jam.
From Theory to Practice
The program opened with a series of expert talks focused on DEIA (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Accessibility), narrative game design, and the broader social impact of gaming technologies. Participants also visited the VR Lab at Tel Aviv University, where they were introduced to projects using virtual reality in therapy, rehabilitation, and behavioral research.
These theoretical impulses were later transformed into hands-on practice during a two-day game jam themed “Switch.” Out of several initial ideas, two game concepts were selected and developed into functional VR prototypes within just 36 hours.
Czech Participants Share Their Experience
Anežka Mlázovská
My participation in the Game Mixer project in Tel Aviv was one of the most intense and inspiring experiences I have had recently. I traveled with my partner Bohdan Frolov, and already on the flight from Prague we met Irina Kostina. After arriving, we were joined by Iakov Grebe, and we continued our journey together. We were accommodated at Abraham Hostel, which felt like a gallery filled with street art, murals, and installations. That very evening, Bohdan, Iakov, and I took a walk to the sea and soaked in the city’s atmosphere for the first time.
The following morning, we met the other participants over breakfast — Nat Spengler and Andreas Malessou, a very friendly couple from Germany, and later the rest of the European team. Our first stop was a library, where we met the Israeli participants and held the initial project coordination meeting. This was followed by an inspiring lecture by Sybil Collas, a senior narrative game designer, with a strong focus on DEIA.
After a shared dinner, Oded Sharon guided us through Tel Aviv — from the upscale ice cream shop Cassata to the well-known Schnitt brewery. The contrast between modern skyscrapers and older neighborhoods full of street art and vibrant life left a strong impression on me.
The next day, we visited the VR Lab at Tel Aviv University, where Avi and Topaz introduced us to projects using virtual reality in therapy, rehabilitation, and behavioral research. It was fascinating to see how game technologies can be applied in scientific and medical contexts. This was followed by a lecture by Alina Mikhaleva, producer of the Library of Dreams project, who demonstrated how game design can be approached as an artistic installation working with emotions. Later, political scientist Katharina Klappheck delivered a lecture on cyber discrimination and cyber feminism, opening up important discussions on the relationship between society, technology, and developers’ responsibility.
That evening, Bohdan and I managed a short visit to Jerusalem. We saw the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, the Western Wall, and searched for the grave of Oskar Schindler. The atmosphere there was entirely different from Tel Aviv — calmer and more contemplative. The return journey, however, became complicated when our train stopped at the airport and turned back toward Jerusalem instead of continuing to Tel Aviv. Fortunately, we managed to catch the last bus, even though we barely slept the night before the game jam. Paradoxically, even this exhausting experience proved valuable — it was during that time that the core idea for our game emerged.
Game Jam – Theme “Switch”
Finally, the day of the game jam arrived. The theme was “Switch.” We were first divided into four teams and began brainstorming. My team included Nat Spengler and Natalia Chigirinsky. Their ideas were excellent, but when I introduced my concept focused on ADHD and VR mechanics related to attention switching, it immediately resonated with them. Together, we developed the initial idea in a direction I could never have imagined on my own — and that is exactly what I enjoy most about collaborative creation.
After the voting process, two projects were selected — our team’s project and the project of the team that included Bohdan — placing us unexpectedly in the role of “competitors.” This was followed by an intense period of prototype development, first in the library and later in the dining area of Abraham Hostel. Along with Iakov and Bohdan, we worked until three o’clock in the morning.
I was responsible for model optimization and environment creation, working closely with Natalia and Shani. The following day culminated in final presentations. Public speaking is not my strong suit, so I was genuinely grateful that Nat and Andy handled them brilliantly, contributing an incredible amount of work, especially in terms of research. At the celebratory closing dinner, I tasted 3D-printed meat for the first time — and it was surprisingly delicious.
Work After the Game Jam
After the onsite phase, we continue collaborating remotely, with the final selection scheduled for December 15. Before leaving for Egypt, Nat prepared several new concepts without the use of AI, and I took over the complete creation of models (with the exception of characters). The original AI-generated models served only as blockouts to define basic proportions — all final models and textures are entirely original work.
As of now, the majority of the environment has been optimized. I am currently once again collaborating closely with Shani Mezer and Natalia Chigirinsky, who are responsible for implementation in the engine. The collaboration works extremely well and represents one of the most valuable and rewarding aspects of the entire project.
Bohdan Frolov
My main role within the Game Mixer project was to create a functional VR game prototype in a six-person team within 36 hours. In total, two teams participated, each working on its own game concept. Unfortunately, during the game jam, three members of my team were unable to continue for various reasons, and we therefore completed the project as a team of three.
Working with an incomplete team was challenging, but despite this, we managed to successfully bring the project to completion and present a final product.
From this game jam, I am taking away many positive emotions, valuable new connections, and above all invaluable experience. It was a great opportunity to work under pressure and to observe how a game idea is born in such a short time.
I am pleased to add that we remain in contact with representatives of the Goethe-Institut, and there is a possibility that we will be able to continue working on our project in the future.
Irina Kostina
During four days at the Game Mixer in Tel Aviv, I had the opportunity to meet many talented developers from Europe and Israel. I am sincerely grateful for the chance to take part in such a deep and meaningful cultural and professional exchange, which was immensely valuable to me.
Two lectures focused on DEIA made a particularly strong impression on me — they helped me look at game mechanics, storytelling, and the role games can play in addressing important social issues from a new perspective.
During the two-day game jam, our team succeeded in creating a prototype centered on the topic of migration and integration. It was especially important for me to incorporate my own perspective into the project, both as an artist and a developer.
I would also like to highlight the atmosphere of the entire event — the openness of the participants, the lively exchange of ideas, and the sense of support and inspiration that could be felt at every step. These days reminded me how powerful games can be as tools for dialogue on complex and sensitive topics, and how important it is from time to time to find oneself in an international and creative environment that allows for growth and further development.
Project Continuation
After the onsite phase, the project continues through online collaboration, with the final selection of the game concept scheduled for December 15. The Czech team remains an active part of the development process, continuing work on environment optimization, gameplay mechanics implementation, and the further development of the project’s visual identity.
The Diversity Game Mixer thus confirms that games can be powerful tools for dialogue, empathy, and social reflection—while also offering a unique platform for international collaboration among emerging talents.
The photos from the 36-hour Game Jam marathon were taken by Cedric Dorin.
