Current Project:
Clinician Training Simulation

A game-based approach to clinician education.

I am developing an educational game for training clinicians involved in psychedelic-assisted therapy.

The project explores whether game-based simulation can provide a controlled environment in which learners can practice communication, clinical decision-making and therapeutic interaction.

Why a game?

Some aspects of professional practice are difficult to develop through lectures or written materials alone.

Games and simulations allow learners to act within a structured environment, make decisions, receive feedback and experience the consequences of their choices.

The goal is not to turn clinical education into entertainment, but to explore how game design can contribute to professional learning.

The Role of AI

Psychedelic-assisted therapy is a clinically and ethically sensitive field. This project supports only approaches grounded in rigorous clinical evidence and conducted within applicable legal, regulatory and professional frameworks.

It does not advocate illicit substance acquisition, unsupervised use of psychoactive substances or unregulated treatment settings. Appropriate clinical screening, professional supervision, verified substance quality, controlled dosing and robust safety procedures are essential considerations in regulated clinical research and practice.

The simulation is intended for educational purposes. It does not provide medical advice, establish clinical efficacy or replace accredited professional training and supervision.

Current Stage

The project is currently in prototype development and will be presented at the Games for Change Türkiye Festival 2026, taking place on December 5–6, 2026, at BAU Culture and Congress Center in Istanbul.

The presentation will introduce the project's approach to game-based clinician education and explore how simulation and AI-assisted interactions could contribute to professional training.

The project is at an exploratory stage, and its educational effectiveness remains to be evaluated.

Scientific Context

The project draws on research in game-based learning, simulation-based education, interaction design and experiential learning. Its aim is to investigate whether structured game-based simulation can support the development of communication, decision-making and therapeutic interaction skills.

The project does not assume that games or AI automatically improve learning. Its educational value must be evaluated through appropriate testing and evidence.

Ethical and Clinical Scope

The project explores how large language models could support more responsive simulated characters and scenarios.

Claude is being considered as a potential conversational layer for:

• Dynamic patient dialogue

• Scenario variation

• Character responses to learner decisions

• Reflective questioning

• Adaptive learning interactions

The educational objectives and core game rules will remain structured and controlled, rather than being delegated entirely to AI.

Projects & Lecture Themes

My work and teaching span the following areas, combining design practice, creative production and university-level education.

Game Design

Designing game systems, mechanics and player experiences, with a focus on interactive storytelling and meaningful player choices.

Virtual Production

Exploring virtual production workflows and real-time technologies for film, animation and game production.

XR Technologies

Designing and exploring experiences using virtual, augmented and mixed reality technologies.

Creative Innovation

Supporting creative teams and emerging studios through mentoring, incubation and game development consultancy.

Work Experience

With over a decade of experience in filmmaking and game design, I work across creative production, education and emerging technologies.

I also advise game development teams and startups in game design and new media.

Lecturer in Film, Animation and Game Design

Arel University - Game Design Department

BUG Lab — Bahçeşehir University Game Lab, Istanbul

Medipol University - Visual Communication Design Department

Işık University - Filmmaking Master's lectures

SAE Institute Istanbul - Former Head Instructor, Digital Film & Animation Department

FSA Photography and Cinema Education Center, Ankara

At BUG Lab TEKMER, I developed business-oriented educational programs for game startups within a state-supported incubation center. I continue to advise startups in game design and emerging media.

Startup Consultant

I advise game development teams and creative technology startups on game design, production and product development.

For consulting and collaboration inquiries, contact me at contact@oytunkal.com.

Executive Producer at Game Incubation Center

Designer, Filmmaker

My work spans filmmaking, animation and game design, combining visual storytelling with interactive systems and creative technology. For more information about past works, you can visit my IMDB page.

Unreal Authorized Instructor (UAI) - Gold Badge

Authorized to teach Unreal Engine 5 since 2023, with demonstrated foundational instructional ability across game development, animation, Blueprint visual scripting, cinematics, virtual production and UX design.

View Verified Credential

Oytun Kal

Reach out for collaboration or consultancy.

contact@oytunkal.com