Fully funded PhD to make gaming industry more inclusive

The studentship is open to Black (including African, Caribbean or mixed heritage) graduates who have a degree in the social sciences.

Gaming is one of the most influential industries in the world. According to trade body UKIE, the UK market for video games reached a record £7bn in 2020, and the UK games industry is the biggest in Europe.

However, there is still a lack of diversity within this sector.

According to research by UKIE “around 10% of people working in games are Black, Asian or minority ethnic (BAME)”, which is below average for the working age population, and are noticeably less represented in senior positions.

Bristol Digital Futures Institute, at the University of Bristol, has been set up to drive digital innovation for more inclusive, prosperous and sustainable futures.

Professor Susan Halford, co-director of Bristol Digital Futures Institute, said:

“Gamers are often positioned as passive consumers of tech products created for them, not by them. This project aims to explore how more people can have a stake in the future of the industry.”

The successful applicant will have the opportunity to suggest practical and effective changes within the industry. Known as action research, the PhD student will address problems and trial solutions in real time.

As well as a regular salary, the student will also benefit from access to independent gaming networks and close contact with the Supermassive Games studio.

Brothers Pete and Joe Samuels, Directors of Supermassive Games, said:

“The specific events of 2020, that highlighted the importance of the Black Lives Matter movement, motivated us to identify how we could make a difference as a business. We’re excited to be funding this Supermassive Games PhD Studentship, and to supporting the researcher throughout their studies.

“Whether you’ve never thought about a PhD or have been planning for this since you were 7 years old, please apply.”

The PhD will be supervised at the University of Bristol by Professor Susan Halford, who has a long track record of collaborative research across the social and engineering sciences.