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.
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!
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.
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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