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In The News
Center for Transformational Play Wins Big at 2025 Andy Awards
(CMU) Carnegie Mellon University recognized the members of the CTP team with three awards at the 31st annual Andy Awards ceremony.
New Media Offers New Ways to Spark STEM Learning
(CTP) Support from the Center for Transformational Play's researchers is helping the long-running PBS series NOVA explore collaborative science learning through the medium of livestreams.
There's No Age That's Too Old To Play
(GeekWire) The Center for Transformational Play's Director, Dr. Jessica Hammer, explains on GeekWire's Does Computer podcast how play can open doors for all people, regardless of age.
Designing for "Vibes:" Text-To-Music AI Interface Offers New Creative Options
(CTP) New work led by researchers from The Center for Transformational Play may eliminate the need for time-consuming musical data searches and instead allow video editors to search by "vibes."
Nations Urged to 'Pick up the Ball' After DEI Research Cuts
(Nature) The Center for Transformational Play's Dr. Jessica Hammer and other researchers say a lack of funding for studies that focus on sex and gender might also hasten a US brain drain.
Project Baseplate Alum to Compete on Season 5 of LEGO® Masters
(CTP) An alumnus of the Center for Transformational Play’s Project Baseplate Brick-By-Brick® facilitator training has earned a spot on season 5 of LEGO® Masters.
How to Get a Degree in Game Design
(USNews.com) The game industry is thriving and shows no signs of slowing down. Here's how to game out a plan to get into it.
Using Virtual Reality to Connect Players With Ocean Ecosystems
(CTP) Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University’s Center for Transformational Play are hoping a virtual trip into the watery abyss will inspire connection with ocean ecosystems, even for people who’ve never been to a beach.
CMU Builds Community for Kids with LEGOs
(NEXTPittsburgh) A LEGO habit is cutting into researchers’ work at Carnegie Mellon University, but the brick-building craze isn’t fueled by childhood memories or a newly released Death Star set.
Why These Pittsburgh Game Developers Prefer to Keep it Indie
(Technical.ly) Before Jessica Hammer was the director of Carnegie Mellon University’s Center for Transformational Play, she worked for indie game companies such as NYC’s Gamelab and participated in her share of indie groups.
Carnegie Mellon University Brings LEGO® Brick-Based Therapy to U.S.
(CBS News) A therapy program that uses LEGOs to help kids make connections is coming to Brick-by-Brick program in the U.S.
Center for Transformational Play to Launch at CMU to Expand R&D of Games
(The Business Journals) Carnegie Mellon University's School of Computer Science announced the launch of the Center for Transformational Play (CTP) to better synergize the various game design and development efforts underway by researchers across the University.