David James

Course Director

Digital, Tech, Innovation & Business

I am a Games Technical Design Lecturer at Staffordshire University, specialising in the design principles and technical implementation of game software. I am Module leader and Course Leader for two of Staffordshire University’s Foundation Games Design degrees.

I have been teaching games development at university for 8 years, covering many aspects such as game engines, design methods and game art. During this time, I have gained experience in all aspects of higher education, from content creation and delivery (both in person and online) through to regulations and customer service.

I am passionate about teaching, with a focus on entertaining and inspiring students – making games is one of the most rewarding technical and creative endeavors that someone can do, and I hope to instill this passion in my students.

Professional memberships and activities

Fellow of Higher Education Academy (FHEA)

Academic qualifications

  • Master of Science (MSc): Computer Games Design - 2009

         Staffordshire University, Stoke-On-Trent

  • Post Graduate Certificate in Higher and Professional Education (PGCHPE) - 2013

         Staffordshire University, Stoke-On-Trent

  • Batchelor of Science (BSc) with honours: Interactive Entertainment Technology – 2:1 (Upper Second Class) – 2004

         Staffordshire University, Stoke-On-Trent

  • ILM Level 5 in Coaching and Mentoring 2014

         Staffordshire University, Stoke-On-Trent

Expertise

  • Games Design
  • Technical Design
  • Game Art

Research interests

  • Procedural Asset Generation
  • Player Behaviour and Performance
  • Teaching and Learning in Games
  • Games Jams

Teaching

Undergraduate

  • Introduction to 3D Games Engines
  • Game Theory & Mechanics
  • 2D Games Engines
  • Introduction to Games Design

Postgraduate

  • Masters Project Supervision

Publications

Dr Bobbie Fletcher, David James - Grassroots Esports Players: Improving Esports Cognitive Skills Through Incentivising Physical Exercise. Serious Games: Joint International Conference, JCSG 2021, Jan 2022.

David James – The Games Jam as a Catalyst for Games Design Education. Communities and Communication – Diverse Voices 2022, Staffordshire University, May 2022.

David James, Dr Bobbie Fletcher, Shaheena Saeed, Will Roberts – Research into the physical activity attitudes and behaviours of young gamers. Youth Sport Trust Conference, Coventry, Feb 2020

David James – Information Literacy in New University Starters. Innovative Practice in Higher Education, Vol. 1 No. 3 2014.

in the UK for Quality Education

Sustainable Development Goal 4, Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2024

for Career Prospects

Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2023

for Facilities

Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2023

for Social Inclusion

The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2023

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

Research Excellence Framework 2021

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

Research Excellence Framework 2021

Four Star Rating

QS Star Ratings 2021