Experimental Games Lab

The Experimental Games Lab is a cross-institutional interdisciplinary research initiative integrating Virtual Production (VP), Real-time engines, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Extended Reality (XR) to explore the confluence of game design, film, animation, and the creative arts. Our team is dedicated to expanding the boundaries of game design and interactive entertainment through an understanding of games as culturally significant artifacts that reflect and shape human behaviour and societal values. Our research aims to uncover novel and impactful approaches to game design and interactive experiences by leveraging cutting-edge technologies and innovative methodologies. The lab aims to offer fresh perspectives and valuable insights for creators across the spectrum of entertainment experiences, from traditional and serious games to immersive cinematic environments.

RESEARCH TEAM

Dr Justin Carter

Dr Justin Carter (AFHEA) is a researcher, game designer and educator. His experience includes the design and leadership of both undergraduate and honours programs with a focus on game design and development, screen media, digital and interaction design. Justin is the program director for the Bachelor of Games Design at the Griffith Film School. He is committed to providing transformative interdisciplinary learning experiences across the creative industries. Justin has extensive experience in leading the design and creation of innovative applied research and work-integrated studio environments including a games innovation and research lab, virtual production studio, and on-campus games production studios.

Dr Zac Fitz-Walter

Dr Zac Fitz-Walter is an educator, researcher, and game designer. His academic expertise is in game design, gamification, and behaviour change design, particularly for mobile devices. Zac has extensive research and industry experience in applied and social science research. Over the last decade, Zac has helped design and build over 30 digital products including apps and serious games for individuals, businesses, government, and research institutions. Zac has trained governments and companies worldwide on effective gamification and behaviour change design through workshops, online masterclasses and speaking engagements.

Dr Josh Hall

Dr Josh Hall is an educator, researcher, and serious games designer. Josh's expertise lies in applying games and XR technologies to enhance training and job tasks, bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-world applications. Beyond the classroom, Josh actively engages in collaborative research endeavours with industry professionals and fellow researchers. His involvement in government and industry funding opportunities has enabled the successful execution of innovative research projects. Leveraging his extensive industry experience in building XR and digital solutions, he strives to translate research findings into tangible, practical solutions that address real-world challenges.

Associate Professor Nico Meissner

Dr Nico Meissner is an Associate Professor and Deputy Director (Learning & Teaching) at Griffith Film School. He is researching and writing on entrepreneurship in the creative industries and the intricate relations between storytelling and innovation. He was the inaugural Dean of the Faculty of Cinematic Arts in Malaysia and has taught filmmaking, storytelling and entrepreneurship in the UK, Finland, Portugal, Malaysia, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Ghana, Colombia and Australia. Nico holds an MA in Journalism and Communication from Freie Universitat Berlin, an MA in Television Documentary Production and a PhD in Cultural Industries from Salford University in the UK.

HDR COLLABORATORS

Henry Sun
Isabelle Hall

RESEARCH ASSOCIATES

Dr Colleen Steiler-Hunt
Dr Ross McLennan
Dr Alex Muscat
Dr Chris Worford

PROJECTS

Enabler Interactive

A research collaboration with industry Enabler Interactive Pty Ltd. This organisation uses games-based learning to improve engagement, confidence and learning outcomes for NDIS Support Workers. The collaboration seeks to better understand how digital games can impact learning outcomes and preparedness of disability support workers for real-world scenarios compared to conventional training methods.

Edible Gardens

This project aims to address barriers to civil society adoption of agroecology by developing an Augmented Reality App that enables regenerative urban farming. The goal is to use experimental technology and games to promote food sovereignty, community supported agriculture, and sustainable food systems.

Virtual Production for Pre-Visualisation

This project is aimed to understand how emerging virtual production approaches for feature films can be democratised for use in lo-fi future screen applications. The ability for systems such as this to be applied in scalable production scenarios allows for its use in diverse socio-cultural contexts, providing greater access to people who may not have the economic conditions required to participate in this type of technology.

Blue Island

The Blue Island Project focuses on harnessing the persuasive power of video games and Fortnite Fever to support mental health and promote positive thinking habits in young men.

AnatoMe

The AnatoMe Project was an exciting experiment exploring a small proof of concept application that used augmented reality technology to enable medical visualisation in real-time. While the initial project is complete there is scope to expand on this project.

Alt-AR

The Alt-AR project was developed in collaboration with University of the Sunshine Coast and Folly Games. The project focused on developing an interactive mixed reality (MR) experience that was presented as part of the 2021 Anywhere Festival.

EVENTS

The Experimental Game Design Conference

The Experimental Game Design Conference explores the confluence of game design, film, animation, and the creative arts. It offers a forum for academics, early career researchers, practitioners, players, and industry to connect and discuss the practice and potential of game design. This year the event was held at Griffith Film School's worldclass facilities in Southbank, Brisbane, Australia. The event featured four presentations, six full papers, two extended abstracts, and an independent games showcase.

The 24-Hour Experimental Game Design Challenge

The 24-Hour Game Design challenge is a fast-paced and intensive event where participants are tasked to create a game from scratch in just 24 hours.

Acknowledgement of Country

We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of this Country on which we live and work. We recognise their continuing connection to place and culture, and pay respects to their Elders past, present and emerging.