PhD Studentship - Games as Ecological Processes: The Mechanics, Dynamics and Aesthetics of Environmental Play

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’. 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 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 PhD investigates games as artworks that simulate ecological processes, focussing on their narrative, structural, ludic and aesthetic elements. The project will develop game analysis techniques from leading-edge theoretical approaches at the intersection of the environmental humanities, ecocriticism, and philosophy, drawing on more-than-human approaches from within the new materialisms and the emerging field of ‘material game studies’ (Germaine and Wake, 2022) to complement existing work on ecogames.

Project aims and objectives

The project will be met through 3 key objectives:

• Undertake a review of current work on ecogame analysis, applying insights from historical and contemporary writings on the environment, process philosophy, continental philosophy, and critical animal studies. 
• Develop modes of analysis to better understand how the mechanics, dynamics, and aesthetics of games function to create transformative experiences for their players.
• Generate an ethical design framework for the evaluation and analysis of games, and to inform design and game-making practices. 

Entry requirements

The candidate will join the institution as part of the Manchester Game Centre, a cross university research group working at the forefront of game research internationally. To be a successful applicant you will have a Masters’ Degree in English, Game Studies, Environmental Humanities, or Philosophy, or a discipline related to the programme of study.

Experience in one or more aspects of game design, game art, or game development is desirable. 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.

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 both Home and International students.

How to apply

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

To apply you will need to complete the online application form for a full-time PhD in English 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-English-NWCDTP 2025

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