Systematic Storytelling: Interactivity, Agency and Non-linear Narratives

In this lecture we go over the fundamentals of interactive game narratives. Defining what we mean by narrative, and placing games in context with other ergodic literature. We look at non-linear structures, agency, and the narrative paradox. Concluding with a set of mechanisms that games designers use to manage agency in their narrative games.

How Minecraft Affects How Young People Learn About Computer Science

Abstract: As one of the newest art forms available to young people, gaming has become an increasing influence on young people’s education, even if not used in a classroom environment. This talk aims to explore examples of how video games have changed how young people understand and learn about certain subjects, with particular focus on how the indie title Minecraft allows them to learn about the world of Computer Science and how groups are looking to forward the cause of education though games.

The Poetics of Game Narratives

In this final week we will look at the tensions between ludology and narratology in games design, in effect how the agency of games has been reconciled with the dramatic requirements (and lack of agency) in narrative. I will argue that there are two broad approaches, the mainstream method of concentrating in the Fabula, and a method pioneered by many indie games of fusing narrative and play. We will look in more detail at what this might mean in terms of thematic cohesion, diegetic choices, and mechanics and metaphor. Finally we look at Spec Ops: The Line, as a rare example of a AAA title that takes this fusion approach. Looking at how the game uses many of the techniques we have explored.

The Curriculum Innovation Programme at the University of Southampton: Curriculum design for a post-Browne world

This is a narrated slide presentation of a seminar delivered by Dr. Peter Smith, Associate Dean (Education) Faculty of Law, Arts and Social Sciences/Associate Dean Education and Student Experience Faculty of Social and Human Sciences. The recording lasts around 25 minutes. The seminar was delivered on 30 November, 2010 to the University of Southampton Higher Education Research Group. The presentation reflects the position of the University's Curriculum Innovation Programme as of November 2010/January 2011.

Systems Design: Introduction to Systems

This is the introductory slides for Comp1209 Systems Design. In the first half we explain the structure of the course, and in the second we give a brief introduction to Systems (using Bloodhound SSC as a class exercise)

ARTD6084 DISPLAY:INTERPRETING THE LANGAUGE OF DESIGN

Please contact the tutor Dr Jonathan Faiers for any further information j.faiers@soton.ac.uk

Lecture on cable design and manufacture

example for web site

Innovation In Games

In this lecture we look at how innovation in games has moved from the creation of new genres, to the incorporation of new technology, that has unlocked new ways to play games. In particular we look at casual and social games, motion controllers, virtual reality, augmented reality, location-based games, mixed reality, and alternate reality.