My current projects are as follows: I'm leading a major AHRC speculative research project investigating new narrative in first-person gaming. This is a practice-led project which entails building modified and bespoke game levels and microgames, primarily in Source. More information and conceptual background for the project can be found here. The project website, which will contain links to the downloadable mod files and information about each of the mods we are building, and the build process, can be found here.

Secondly, I'm wrapping up my doctorate, which focuses upon a ludological system of content analysis in first-person games. The system, tentatively named Ludodiegetics (from "play reality") draws from models and ideas in cognitive science, virtual reality and anthropology, combined with classic narratology and interactive narrative theory to argue for a methodology of content and narrative analysis anchored squarely within player experience. Essentially, it argues that all game content should be understood from the perspective of not just reward or gameplay device, but as actively and dynamically managing player behaviour and affect. More details on this can be found here.

Thirdly, I'm currently writing a textbook with my colleagues Ken Newman and Mark Eyles, provisionally titled "Launching a Games Research Project" and aimed at undergraduates wishing to explore games research and undertake a games-focused project. It will be published by John Wiley & Sons and is expected to be drafted by summer 2008. We are actively looking for researchers and teachers to read sample chapters and comment on drafts over the next year, so please contact me if this is of interest.

Finally, I am running a research-led teaching project, The Playing Club, which aims to help undergraduates from across the University explore core themes of games research. Ten students will play and discuss a game a week for twelve weeks, forming a space for critical reflection in relation to key topics. More information can be found here.

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