Play is more than fun—it’s a powerful tool for learning. We believe that play sparks creativity, builds confidence, and helps young people develop critical next-gen Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics (STEAM) skills like problem-solving, collaboration, and design thinking.
That’s why Electronic Arts partners with innovative organizations like Ukie’s Digital Schoolhouse to bring play-based learning to life beyond our games, help students unlock their potential, and prepare for future careers.
Digital Schoolhouse is a groundbreaking, play-based education initiative that transforms how students across the UK engage with computing and digital creativity. Since its launch, the program has supported nearly 350,000 students, more than 22,000 teachers, and over 6,800 schools. Through free workshops and curriculum resources that extend the power of video games, these experiences help young people build the skills, confidence, and creative mindset they need to succeed and adapt for the future.
“We’re proud to support Digital Schoolhouse and bridge the gap between our industry and the classroom, equipping teachers with innovative tools and helping students grow from consumers of tech into creators. That’s the power of play to bring STEAM learning to life,” says Jaimie Vargas, Head of Global Social Impact at EA.
Digital Schoolhouse workshops are making an impact, with 90% of participating teachers indicating they feel more confident with computing topics. Students leave the workshops with more knowledge about programming skills and various aspects of video game development–77% of pupils are more confident in computing, and 70% say it's sparked greater interest in the subject.
Each summer, we support the Festival of Play, which celebrates creativity and the power of games to inspire learning. In 2025, the Festival brought immersive experiences at events in Belfast, Dundee, and London, giving more than 650 students and 77 teachers the opportunity to explore how play can unlock digital skills and spark future careers in STEAM. Each event was a vibrant mix of hands-on workshops, special talks, interactive exhibits, and engagement with industry professionals.
“The Festival of Play continues to showcase the incredible impact that happens when education and industry come together,” says Shahneila Saeed, Director of Education at Ukie and Program Director for Ukie Digital Schoolhouse. “Our partnership with EA brings in both expertise and heart—fueling joyful, hands-on learning that connects classroom activities to real-world opportunity. Together, we’re helping students imagine a future they truly belong in.”
Students dove into a range of playful workshops designed to make computing concepts tangible and fun. They built and raced balloon-powered “Formula 1 Recycled Racers” to explore algorithms alongside volunteers from EA’s Codemasters studio, uncovered how artificial intelligence learns through data, honed their storytelling in eSports commentary sessions, and prototyped tabletop games with everyday materials in the Game Design Challenge. Leaders from our Criterion studio shared their own journeys, showing how skills like storytelling, curiosity, and imagination can grow into rewarding STEAM careers.
We recently hosted the October Ingenuity Day at the EA Guildford office with Digital Schoolhouse Lead Teachers to enable them to learn and get inspired to transform computer education by embedding digital creativity into every lesson.
"The Frostbite session was mind-blowing in how they use physics to program collisions such as springs! The EA team discussing what skills they need employees to have such as a love of learning was something I could take back to the classroom,“ said one teacher.
Game devs and leaders from our Player Research, EA SPORTS F1, Frostbite, and Criterion teams provided key insights about the tech and innovation that powers our interactive entertainment experiences with massive online communities. Teachers got an inside look into what it takes to make AAA titles and the connection between the concepts they teach in the classroom every day and our industry.
“The session regarding in-game physics and the layers required to create a game was brilliant,” said an attending teacher. “Extremely insightful and sparks great conversations with students post-event."
Delivering next-level entertainment at the intersection of technology, art, and culture inspires us to help students do the same. We’re joining with leading organizations like Ukie’s Digital Schoolhouse to help build a world where every young person has experiences and inspiration to play, learn, and thrive.
To learn more about our social impact initiatives in, around, and beyond our games, explore EA’s 2025 Impact Report.
Check out other amazing EA stories on ea.com/news.