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The role
Do you want to empower students to become the creators of worlds? Do you have expertise in games design processes and principles and the ability to communicate this knowledge to a range of audiences? Do you want to be a core part of a global first programme, the MA Games Design (Narrative) at the University of Bristol?
For narrative designers, everything in a game has narrative potential. To realise this potential, however, requires technical know-how across the game development pipeline. The Technical Specialist (Games) role is essential to the vision of the MA Games Design (Narrative). You will support student teams to hone their strengths in scripting stories using industry standard tools, systems design for new narrative features, implementation of narrative elements in game engines, and production around narrative-driven games.
You will join a dynamic team of leading games researchers and practitioners at the Bristol Digital Game Lab, based at the Bristol Digital Futures Institute. Acting as a connective infrastructure bridging academia, industry, and the public sector, the Game Lab’s mission is to unlock the power of play for cultural, educational, and civic transformation. We believe video games are no longer just entertainment. They are tools for change. From public health to cultural heritage and policy, games are shaping how we learn, connect and solve complex challenges. The Game Lab asks not just what games are, but what they can do for society, for our future.
The role would suit a games design professional looking to utilize their expertise in a teaching and research capacity. You will train the next generation of narrative designers to build better games, champion innovative curricular design, and help drive forward Game Lab’s mission of games for public service.
We value the diversity of perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences that fuel our culture of curiosity, collaboration, and innovation. We especially encourage applicants from groups traditionally underrepresented in games design to apply. All appointments will be evaluated solely on merit.
What will you be doing?
- Provide design and technical expertise across the full suite of MA Games Design (Narrative) units.
- Help students generate creative game ideas and execute them technically in the game writers’ room, in game jams, and on assessed projects and portfolios.
- Scaffold the learning of four key skills identified by the programme: teamwork, storytelling, technical implementation, and critical thinking.
- Train students and staff in the use of industry-standard tools and game engines.
- Develop and maintain systems to support the delivery of the programme, including the provision of an Alienware laptop for each student and the running of active play sessions.
- Collaborate on Bristol Digital Game Lab projects.
- Network with stakeholders across academia, the games industry, and third sector partners.
- Keep up to date with developments in the games industry, including around the skills pipeline, technical systems development, and opportunities for curriculum development.
Additional information
For informal queries please contact:
Dr Richard Cole, richard.cole@bristol.ac.uk, 0117 455 2081
Dr Michael Samuel, Mike.samuel@bristol.ac.uk, 01174555376
Our strategy and mission
We recently launched our strategy to 2030 tying together our mission, vision and values.