School of Engineering and Built Environment

School of Engineering and Built Environment Self-Funded PhD Research Project

Project Title: Developing Personal Values through Computer Games Project Reference Number: SEBE_SELF_MAGM_4 Background The global digital games market is estimated to reach US$93.18bn by 20191 (at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 5.7%). Across Europe, the social impact and potential of computer games is enormous and growing: around 40% of all people between 11-64 are playing for 6-9 hours per week2; many are adults aged 45-64, and many are female (42-52% of all adult females). However one of the cultural barriers to the uptake of multi-player games is justified concerns that they are not inclusive. Some common poor player behaviours include negative stereotyping towards females3 and to players from different cultures. This is becoming more prominent in contexts where gender and cultural neutrality is harder to disguise because of the rise of voice-based gaming communication and profile stalking using online identity search tools4. The research question is: How can widely accepted socio- cultural value systems and behavioural norms be systemically integrated within game design and game play. Example References 1. Barr, P., et al (2007) Video game values: Human-computer interaction and games, Interacting with Computers, Vol 19, Issue 2, pp180-195 2. Molyneux, L et al (2015) Gaming Social Capital: Exploring Civic Value in Multiplayer Video Games: Gaming, Social Capital, & Civic Participation, Journal of Computer-Mediated Communication, 07/2015, Vol 20, Iss 4 3. Howard, A., (2013) Finding your moral compass, Charter, 11/2013, Volume 84, Issue 10 Aims The aims of the project are to:  Develop a profile of game players and what they understand to be widely accepted socio- cultural value systems and behavioural norms  Examine how and why value systems and behavioural norms are adhered to or ignored in different multi-player game settings  Devise a set of game design and play guidelines for developing socio-cultural value systems and behavioural norms between game players  Evaluate the guidelines in multiplayer game context Research Supervisor Candidates are encouraged to contact the following researchers for further details:

1 PWC Global Entertainment & Media Outlook 2015-2019, http://www.pwc.com/gx/en/industries/entertainment-media/outlook.html

2 GameTrack (ISFE/Ipsos Connect): GameTrack Digest: Quarter 1 2016.

3 Gender and video games: How is female gender generally represented in various genres of video games? Journal Of Comparative Research In Anthropology And Sociology, Kondrat, X., 6, 1, Summer 2015

4 Intersecting Oppressions and Online Communities Gray K.L., Journal Information, Communication & Society, 15 (3), 2012  Professor Mike Mannion ([email protected], (http://www.gcu.ac.uk/ebe/staff/prof %20mike%20mannion/ )  Professor Caroline Parker ([email protected] ) Mode(s) of Study This project is available as a:  PhD: 3 years full-time  1 + 3 route to PhD: Undertaking MRes [1 year full-time] + PhD as above Application Details Eligibility Applicants will normally hold a UK honours degree 1st/2:1 (or equivalent); or a Masters degree in a subject relevant to the research project. Equivalent professional qualifications and any appropriate research experience may be considered. A minimum English language level of IELTS score of 6.5 (or equivalent) with no element below 6.0 is required. Some research disciplines may require higher levels. Specific requirements of the project: Ideal candidates will have a keen interest in Computer Games and be capable of design and programme any interventions which are required to shape game play, but they should also take a broader interest in the socio-economic and cultural forces that shape game design. How to Apply Candidates are encouraged to contact the research supervisor(s) for the project before applying. Applicants should download and complete the GCU Research Application Form (available from: http://www.gcu.ac.uk/media/gcalwebv2/study/postgrad/GCU-Postgrad-Research-App-Form-Oct %2014.pdf stating the Project Title and Reference Number (listed above). Or they may attach an alternative research proposal (see Guidance on writing a research proposal) that is related to the themes and expertise of the School (http://www.gcu.ac.uk/ebe/research/phdopportunities/). The completed GCU Research Application form should be sent with copies of academic qualifications (including IELTS if required), 2 references and any other relevant documentation to: [email protected]. Applicants shortlisted for a PhD will be contacted for an interview. Application Deadlines The PhD programmes commence in 01 October, 01 February or 01 May of each year. The application deadlines are as follows:

Start Date Application Deadline October 2017 1 July 2017 February 2018 1 October 2017 May 2018 1 January 2018 October 2018 1 June 2018 February 2019 1 October 2018

Research Degree Fees Current fee information: http://www.gcu.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/feesandfunding/tuitionfees/