— Welcome to Ludus Magnus
About us
European Institute for Modern Board Games (EIMBG) is a Spain-based organisation dedicated to learning, development, and social impact through modern board games and gamification. Ludus Magnus is EIMBG’s trade name, reflecting our mission to train the “gladiators” of the 21st century through play.
With a strong academic background, our team has been pioneering the research and practical application of Modern Board Game-Based Learning and gamification. What started in educational contexts has proven effective across multiple fields, including education, psychology, occupational and care settings, personal development, and organisational environments. We don’t just deliver training—we design transformative experiences that make learning engaging, meaningful, and memorable, with personal, social, and professional impact.
Through EIMBG, we actively take part in Erasmus+ and other European cooperation projects that promote learning through modern board games and gamification. We collaborate with schools, universities, associations, and experts to develop innovative methodologies that foster education, inclusion, and critical thinking—helping people reach new goals, build key skills, and face 21st-century challenges with the mindset of a true gladiator.
Azael Herrero
I am a Full Professor at a private university and hold a PhD in Sport Sciences (European distinction) from the University of León, awarded with the Extraordinary Doctorate Prize. My research background focuses on training and exercise physiology, with two accredited research periods (sexenios). I teach at the Universidad Europea Miguel de Cervantes (UEMC), where I have also held senior leadership roles, including Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences (2014–2015) and Vice-Rector for Academic Planning and Faculty (2015–2018).
I have been a board game and role-playing game enthusiast for as long as I can remember. In 2011, I began using modern games in educational contexts, initially to educate and motivate my daughters. That experience introduced me to gamification, and since 2017 I have taught all my university courses using gamified learning designs.
Over the years, I have led and contributed to local and Erasmus+ projects (KA1 and KA2) with primary school pupils, VET learners, and university students, focused on developing key competences through board game-based learning. I have also implemented board game-based cognitive stimulation programmes for older adults living in residential care settings, in collaboration with the Provincial Council of Valladolid.
In addition, I am a SALTO-YOUTH trainer listed in the Trainers Online for Youth (TOY) database, and I am a member of the Spanish Tolkien Society.
You can also follow my job and professional journey in my LinkedIn.
Alfonso Lahuerta
I hold a PhD in Sport Sciences and an official Master’s degree in the Management and Administration of Sports Facilities and Organisations. I have over 25 years of experience teaching in Secondary Education and Upper Secondary (Bachillerato) across several schools, and more than 20 years of experience as a university lecturer.
I have a strong background in teaching methodologies and educational innovation. I have taken part in educational innovation projects, and I currently teach pedagogy-related subjects, including Teaching Methodology, in an official teacher training Master’s programme. Alongside my academic career, I have worked as a coach and strength and conditioning specialist in several sports disciplines.
I also have extensive experience in designing and delivering leisure and sports activities for both young people and adults. Over the years, I have managed and led companies and facilities in the leisure and sports sector, and I previously served as Director General of Sports for the regional government of Castilla y León for eight years.
I co-founded Ludus Magnus after seeing the educational potential modern board games had for my three children—an insight that inspired me to turn game-based learning into a structured, impactful approach for schools, organisations, and communities.
Miriam Herrero
I am an Educational Psychologist and Psychopedagogue, and I also trained as an Early Childhood Teacher. I hold postgraduate qualifications in Social Psychology and Sexology. I worked as a school counsellor for eight years, supporting students, families, and teaching teams in their learning and wellbeing.
I am currently completing a PhD at the University of Valladolid focused on the use of board games in Primary Education. I strongly believe in the potential of active methodologies and digital tools to enhance motivation and learning, and I have contributed to more than ten educational innovation initiatives and Erasmus-related projects connected to these approaches.
Esther Cardeñoso
I am a licensed General Health Psychologist with a specialisation in third-wave therapies. I have taken part in board game-based learning projects with university students and with older adults, and I am also a board game and role-playing game enthusiast.
I see games as a powerful tool for working with different groups to develop social skills and executive functions at any stage of learning.