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Visual worldbuilding: storytelling through games

This is a Computer games and animation Subject Spotlight with Professor Chris Headleand from Staffordshire University. An interactive, cinematic course taster experience to allow students to gain insights into what it's like to study Computer games and animation.

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In this exciting Subject Spotlight, Professor Chris Headleand takes a deep dive into worldbuilding in video games design. In episode one, Chris outlines some of the foundations of visual style within computer games, such as the environment, world building, and character design. He explains how each of these ties into the overall gameplay and its impact on the player. In episode two, Chris outlines what narrative world building is. He also examines how lore, player choices, and mechanics all integrate with gameplay to create a more immersive experience for the player. In episode three, Chris discusses how programming is used to build the worlds of video games, focussing on procedural content generation. He weighs up the pros and cons of designing games in this way, and how technological advancements support this style of creation. In the final episode, Chris outlines some key job roles within the games industry before setting you an activity which encourages you to step into the shoes of a games designer, artist, or programmer and begin work on creating a whole new world!

About Staffordshire University

The city campus in Stoke-on-Trent is Staffordshire University’s nerve centre, where world class healthcare education at the specialist Centre of Excellence in Stafford is delivered. A global network of more than 20,000 people study Staffordshire University's degrees internationally, and 78% of research carried out there is world leading or of international importance according to Research Excellence Framework. The Sir Stanley Matthews Sports Centre is a leading highlight for sport in Staffordshire - a place boasting stunning countryside, historic towns and world class attractions.

Meet the academics

Professor Chris Headleand

Professor Chris Headleand is a Computing and Video Games academic at Staffordshire University with over 20 years of experience in various teaching and learning roles. He is internationally recognised as an expert in student engagement and was awarded a prestigious National Teaching Fellowship in 2021. Chris’ research focuses on Virtual Reality, Visualisation, and Serious Games. Chris is also the head of the Games Development Department.

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On-demand interactive video content

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Remarkable & relatable academics

Learn from some of the UK's finest and most decorated academics as they give you a genuine, insightful, and engaging experience of studying their courses at their universities.

Interactive quizzes and activities

Have a go at fascinating interactive quizzes and activities, then get meaningful and intuitive feedback from the academics to see how you've done.

Content to enhance students university applications

Hear direct from the academics what's expected of you in your university application, and the things you can do to improve your chances of getting on the course you most desire!

Certificate of completion

You'll receive a certificate of completion to evidence your learning - why not add this to your CV and university applications to show your dedication to your future pathway!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Subject Spotlight?

Subject Spotlights fuse education and entertainment to bring you the new way of researching your university options.

Entirely free and available on-demand, you can choose to engage with the content in the way that best suits you - whether that's in bite-sized chunks or in binge-sessions!

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Stand out from the competition by completing a Subject Spotlight to gain the most relevant references and evidence for your personal statement.

Who is this Spotlight for?

This subject spotlight is made for students aged 16 and above, that are considering applying to University, particularly to study the subject in the title, or similar areas.

How should I talk about completing a Subject Spotlight on my UCAS application?

Completing a Subject Spotlight shows the university you're applying to that you've taken time outside of school to engage with relevant content.

The easiest way to include it would be to briefly mention one or two things you learned from it and how/why those learnings have furthered your desire to study the subject. We don't want to prescribe an answer because it's your personal statement but this is a good starting point!