PlayLab! Magazine | Tampere Universities

PlayLab! Magazine is an open-access, online publication run by students and staff at Tampere University (TUNI). It serves as a platform for peer-reviewed game and toy critiques, academic essays, and experimental writing about play culture.

Basic Introduction to Japanese Mahjong

12.3.2026

Features

Going over most of the basic rules and gameplay of riichi mahjong

9.3.2026

Pay Up or Don't Watch! The Curious Case of Capcom Cup 12

Pay-per-view came to fighting game tournaments, and the Capcom Cup community is not happy about it. After 12 years of free access, Capcom wants $10 to watch the finals, or you can watch in-game with no commentary. Is this the future of esports, or the beginning of the end?

Features

6.3.2026

Games for Change: Can Video Games Promote Mental Health (Literacy)?

6.3.2026

Mario Kart’s Competitive Scene: Real Esport or Utopian Dream?

What happens when Mario Kart players take racing seriously? See how the #community created its own #competitive world. From #fan leagues to the new Mario Kart World updates, no help from #Nintendo required. #Esports #Switch2

Game-related media

5.3.2026

Highguard's Lows

The game reached High-guard, but fell low due to unfair expectations and review bombing. Or is that what really happened? In this critical essay, I take a look at what happened to Geoff Keighley’s darling, Highguard.

5.3.2026

The art of trickery and deceiving: An overview of the card game Truco

Do you know how to game a deck of cards to ensuring you draw the cards you would like or are you good at lying and deceiving your opponents? Then Truco might be the game for you.

Toys and Gadgets

4.3.2026

What I Learnt by Failing at Baldur’s Gate 3’s Honour Mode

Roleplaying (and losing at) Baldur’s Gate 3’s Honour Mode is an excellent way to help you get over your main character syndrome! #BaldursGate3 #LarianStudios #Permadeath

Features