PhD Studentship - Game Design for Post Climate Futures: A Practitioner-led Approach

Project advert

Games have massive global reach among diverse populations. The transformative potential of the game industry is therefore huge, but research is needed if this potential is to be realised. The idea that games address the challenge of climate change has been established through the study of ‘ecogames’. However, optimism about the potential of ecogames is undercut by research into the negative material impact of game development, raising the question: how can we make and play games sustainably? This PhD opportunity is part of a Team Project that addresses this question through interdisciplinary research across Art and Design, English Studies, Philosophy and Cultural Sociology. It is one of three PhD projects that will investigate the ecosystem of game design, game artefacts, and game consumption. This particular PhD proposes game making as a research practice. It will be undertaken by a practitioner in game design, who will explore games as a transformative mode of art and investigate and test their affordances in radically reimagining climate futures.

Project aims and objectives

The project will be met through 4 key objectives:

• Conducting a review of ‘ecogames’ with a practitioner focus on how critical discourse in material game studies and community created resources such as the Sustainable Game Design Playbook, alongside algorithmic critical theory, can critically and practically inform new approaches to design;
• Testing questions derived from this review using creative praxis and design thinking research methodologies; 
• Creating three significant works or prototypes suitable for playtesting;
• Evaluating algorithm narrative features through iterative design and playtesting, considering their affect in relation to their ecological cost.

Entry requirements

To be a successful applicant you would ideally have a background in game design and/or development. This project adopts a creative-critical response to the research question and you will employ design thinking research methodologies. Experience in one or more aspects of game design, game art, or game development will be essential. Previous experience working with algorithmic design or generative AI is desirable, but not essential.  You will have an honours degree at a first or upper-second-class, and a masters degree in a relevant discipline. To be competitive for this fully funded position candidates should have an excellent academic track record or a strong creative professional portfolio in game design. 

Funding

The studentship is fully funded by the NWCDTP, with fees paid plus an annual stipend at the UKRI standard rate (£19,237 per year for 2024-2025).

This project is open to Home and International students.

How to apply

Interested home applicants should contact contact Dr Chloé Germaine (C.Germaine@mmu.ac.uk) or Dr David Jackson (D.J.Jackson@mmu.ac.uk) for an informal discussion.

To apply you will need to complete the online application form for a full-time PhD in Digital Arts and Media or download the PGR application form.

You should also complete the PGR Thesis Proposal form addressing the project’s aims and objectives, demonstrating how the skills you have maps to the area of research and why you see this area as being of importance and interest. 

If applying online, you will need to upload your statement in the supporting documents section, or email the application form and statement to PGRAdmissions@mmu.ac.uk. 

Expected start date: October 2025

Please quote the reference: AH-CG-ART-NWCDTP CDA 2025

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