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- Tasks: Dive into game design to explore sustainable practices and create transformative games for climate futures.
- Company: Join a collaborative team focused on interdisciplinary research in art, design, and cultural studies.
- Benefits: Enjoy a fully funded PhD with a stipend of £19,237 per year and fees covered.
- Why this job: Be part of a groundbreaking project that merges creativity with critical ecological challenges in gaming.
- Qualifications: Ideal candidates have a background in game design, an honours degree, and a relevant master's degree.
- Other info: Open to both Home and International students; connect with faculty for informal discussions.
The predicted salary is between 16200 - 16200 £ per year.
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:
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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;
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Testing questions derived from this review using creative praxis and design thinking research methodologies;
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Creating three significant works or prototypes suitable for playtesting;
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Evaluating algorithm narrative features through iterative design and playtesting, considering their affect in relation to their ecological cost.
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.
Interested home applicants should contact contact Dr Chloé Germaine ( ) or Dr David Jackson ( ) for an informal discussion.
To apply you will need to complete the online application form for a or download the .
You should also complete the 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 .
PhD Studentship - Game Design for Post Climate Futures: A Practitioner-led Approach employer: Manchester Metropolitan University
Contact Detail:
Manchester Metropolitan University Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land PhD Studentship - Game Design for Post Climate Futures: A Practitioner-led Approach
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarize yourself with the concept of 'ecogames' and their impact on climate change. Understanding this area will not only help you in your application but also demonstrate your commitment to the project's objectives.
✨Tip Number 2
Engage with current research and discussions around sustainable game design. This could involve reading relevant literature or participating in online forums, which will give you insights that can be valuable during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase any practical experience you have in game design or development through a portfolio. Highlight projects that reflect your understanding of sustainability in game creation, as this aligns closely with the project's goals.
✨Tip Number 4
Reach out to Dr. Chloé Germaine or Dr. David Jackson for an informal discussion about the project. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also gives you a chance to ask questions that can help tailor your application.
We think you need these skills to ace PhD Studentship - Game Design for Post Climate Futures: A Practitioner-led Approach
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Project: Dive deep into the project's aims and objectives. Familiarize yourself with the concept of 'ecogames' and how they relate to sustainable game design. This understanding will help you articulate your interest and relevance in your application.
Tailor Your Statement: When writing your statement, clearly demonstrate how your background in game design or development aligns with the project's goals. Highlight any relevant experience, especially in creative-critical practices or design thinking methodologies.
Showcase Your Portfolio: If you have a creative professional portfolio, make sure to include it. Highlight projects that showcase your skills in game design, art, or development, particularly those that reflect an understanding of sustainability or innovative design approaches.
Follow Application Instructions: Ensure you complete the online application form accurately. Pay attention to the requirement of addressing the project's aims and objectives in your statement. Double-check that all documents are uploaded correctly before submission.
How to prepare for a job interview at Manchester Metropolitan University
✨Show Your Passion for Game Design
Make sure to express your enthusiasm for game design and its potential to address climate change. Share any personal projects or experiences that highlight your commitment to sustainable practices in game development.
✨Demonstrate Interdisciplinary Knowledge
Since this project involves various fields, be prepared to discuss how your background in game design intersects with areas like philosophy, sociology, or art. Highlight any relevant coursework or projects that showcase your interdisciplinary approach.
✨Prepare for Creative Praxis Questions
Expect questions about your creative process and how you apply design thinking methodologies. Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've used these methods in past projects, especially in relation to sustainability.
✨Discuss Your Academic and Professional Achievements
Highlight your academic track record and any professional portfolio pieces that demonstrate your skills in game design. Be specific about your contributions to previous projects and how they relate to the objectives of this PhD opportunity.
