Studying Computer Gameplay Design and Production

Introducing your course leader, Adam Martin

Hi, I’m Adam Martin and I’m the course leader for the BSc (Hons) Computer Gameplay Design and Production course.

I’ve been teaching games and immersive media for almost 20 years. I originally studied Interactive Arts, which led me into a career in multimedia development, web design, and creating Flash games. From there, I moved into game design and development, and I’ve been working in that space ever since.

My main specialism is technical design in Unreal Engine, and I also work with technologies like VR. I enjoy experimenting with physical interaction too, using tools such as Arduino and Makey Makey to explore how players can interact with games in new and innovative ways.

I believe that great games come from combining solid technical skills with imagination and creative thinking. I encourage students to explore, take risks, and push the boundaries of what games can achieve; not just commercially, but socially and culturally as well.

I’m passionate about collaboration and experimentation within the medium of games, and I aim to create a course where you can explore, grow, and develop as a creative professional.

Level of Detail | Cosy Games

What makes a ‘cosy game’ so compelling? Join our games experts Dr  Sharon Coleclough, Professor Esther MacCallum-Stewart and Professor  Catherine Flick as they explore the relaxing, creative world of titles like Stardew Valley, and uncover how gentle play can still offer rich gameplay experiences. 

Enhance your career prospects by engaging with industry professionals

We prepare our students for their career journey by organising our award-winning industry-led mock interviews for all of our final-year game students. You'll have the opportunity to engage in one-on-one interviews with leading members of the UK games industry, and receive detailed and constructive feedback on your CV, portfolio, and interview technique.

Have you explored our virtual campus in Fortnite?

Built by our talented games students, StaffsVerse is the UK’s first university campus to be recreated as a Fortnite island.

Join us for an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at how we brought this innovative project to life!

Explore StaffsVerse

Frequently asked questions

What practical experience will I gain?

You will engage in hands-on activities, including:

  • Game prototyping: Develop playable prototypes from concept to completion.
  • Collaborative projects: Work in teams to create games.
  • Experiment: Get hands-on with immersive technology.
  • Storytelling: Learn how build worlds containing interactive narrative gameplay.
  • Industry networking: Establish connections with influential organisations in the gaming industry.

Are there opportunities for industry collaborations?

Yes, you will have opportunities to network and collaborate with companies such as:

  • Rockstar Games
  • Flix Interactive
  • Ubisoft
  • Rare
  • Creative Assembly

We have hosted and supported a variety of events each year including:

  • Portfolio reviews from games design professionals.
  • Mock Interviews with games companies.
  • Student conferences with industry speakers and exhibitors.
  • Graduate exhibitions focused upon showcasing your work industry

What kind of work placements are available?

You can undertake a placement year with games and immersive design companies, gaining real-world experience in game design, interactive product development and production roles. 

What career prospects can I expect after graduating?

Graduates can pursue careers in various sectors, including:

  • Game Designer
  • Gameplay Programmer
  • Level Designer
  • Technical Designer
  • Narrative Designer
  • Game Producer

You may also want to start your own indie studio. 

How is the course assessed?

The course uses a variety of assessment methods, including:

  • Playable Game Demos
  • Game Design Documents
  • Project Reports
  • Online Portfolios
  • Development Journals
  • Presentations
  • Final year project

Can I join any games related societies or clubs?

University of Staffordshire offers a variety of gaming societies, including Game Development Society, League of Legends Society, Mario Kart Society, Sonic Society, Valorant Society, Splatoon Society, Super Smash Bros Society, Overwatch 2 Society, Cosy Club and Wii Society. Some of the societies host a range of events each year such as tournaments, fundraisers, gaming parties and the annual campus clash where students play against each other.  

Teaching staff

Adam Martin

Senior Lecturer

Adam is a games design specialist, with his main areas of interest including Unreal Engine, games prototyping, VR, and design methodologies. He encourages collaboration across different subject areas including arts, technology and education.

Adam's profile

Luke Haslett

Lecturer

Luke is a lecturer and active researcher specialising in narrative, UI, UX, XR, boardgames, and systems design. His research explores interdisciplinary approaches with narrative, natural language interaction and human-computer interaction.

Luke's profile

Professor Esther Maccallum-Stewart

Professor

Esther specialises in player behaviour and analog games, exploring roleplaying, boardgames, fan communities and conventions. She has consulted on playful experiences for companies including Candy Crush (King Games) and Sony PlayStation.

Esther's profile

Dr Mathew Dalgleish

Senior Lecturer, Games Audio and Technical Design

Mat is a Senior Lecturer in Games Audio and Technical Design. His work spans spatial sound for theatre, procedurally generated audio, reactive props with sensing and recent research on accessible game controllers.

Mathew's profile

David James

Course Director

David James is Course Director for the Games Design area at University of Staffordshire. He is an award-winning National Teaching Fellow, academic leader and games designer with over 17 years of experience in Higher Education.

David's profile

Dr Wael Elzanaty

Lecturer

Wael El Zanaty is a games design and rapid games prototyping lecturer. His main area of interest is games design, mobile games development, games production, business issues, marketing, user experience and user interface design.

Wael's profile

Jamie Tranter

Lecturer

After completing an MEng in Computer Games Design, Jamie joined the teaching team as a Technical Design lecturer, specialising in Unreal Engine and games design. His research investigates technical player agency within video games.

Jamie's profile

Dr Chris Payne

Lecturer

Chris spent 6 years as a Hard House producer and DJ and over 15 years teaching music technology and games design. His PhD, MAMIC, is a visual programming system uniting music, maths and computing for use in primary schools.

Chris's profile

Your next steps

  1. Accept your offer

    An exciting new chapter awaits you here at University of Staffordshire - we can't wait to meet you. Before you can progress with finance or accommodation choices, you'll need to confirm your offer via UCAS.

    Accept your offer

  2. Apply for student finance

    It's best to arrange your student finance before starting University. You can learn more about student finance and make an application at www.gov.uk/student-finance. Our support team is here to help, get in touch if you have any questions about student finance.

    Enquire about finance

  3. Apply for your accommodation

    We have a range of accommodation to choose from to suit all lifestyles and budgets, including en-suite and accessible rooms. Browse rooms and find out how to apply.

    Browse University accommodation

Your Offer Holder Events

You're now part of our offer holder community, and we've planned an exclusive programme of events to help you prepare for becoming a student. These include both virtual and on‑campus sessions.

Keep an eye on your inbox for your invitation to our offer holder events - we'd love to welcome you, answer your questions, and help you feel confident about your next steps.

Your first event will be an interactive session designed to bring your course to life, with real case studies, taster activities, and live challenges tailored to your interests. If you're taking exams this summer, you can get some great tips at our exam preparation session.

At other upcoming events, you'll be able to explore your accommodation options, and find out more about student support and opportunities to earn while you learn. We'll also keep you up to speed on all the key deadlines and next steps, so you are ready for September.

for Career Prospects

Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2025

for Social Inclusion

The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026

for First Generation Students

The Mail University Guide 2026

in the UK for Games Education

Rookies Games Design and Development 2023, 2025

TIGA Best Games Institution 2024, 2025

of Research is “Internationally Excellent” or “World Leading”

Research Excellence Framework 2021

of Research Impact is ‘Outstanding’ or ‘Very Considerable’

Research Excellence Framework 2021