Organised by Yujia Flavia Jin, a PhD researcher in Comparative Literature at the Centre for Comparative Literature and Translation Studies and a former scriptwriter, this event aims to bridge academic research and the gaming industry by fostering interdisciplinary connections and career pathways for Arts and Humanities students and staff.

Bringing together leading scholars and industry professionals—including Brian Baglow (Scottish Games Network & Scottish Games Week), Dr Glaire Anderson (University of Edinburgh), Professor Jerome de Groot (University of Manchester), Dr Timothy Peacock (University of Glasgow), and Dr Raphaël Weyland (Ubisoft Montreal)—the event will explore the role of video games as research resources and career opportunities in game production. One of the highlights of the event is Dr Glaire Anderson (University of Edinburgh) and Dr Raphaël Weyland (Ubisoft Montreal) discussing the development of the Assassin’s Creed: Mirage Baghdad Codex Feature, offering an original and unique insight into the collaboration between historians and game developers in reconstructing historical settings for interactive media.

This event seeks to facilitate interdisciplinary collaboration between academia and the gaming industry while showcasing the College’s active engagement in intermedia studies, SHAPE disciplines, and digital media. It will support postgraduate students’ growing interest in careers in the gaming industry by highlighting relevant research and career development resources, with a roundtable in the end with guest speakers from various backgrounds. Additionally, the event promotes networking and collaboration between universities and the gaming sector, enhancing employability and fostering potential publications and research outputs in video game studies, integrating this field into the broader context of Arts and Humanities.

Taking place on 5 March 2025 in a hybrid format, this workshop offers a dynamic platform for students and researchers to engage with industry experts and gain insights into the evolving creative landscape. The event takes place at the University of Glasgow (St Andrews Building, Room 432). Alternatively, you can join online via Zoom.

This event is funded by the College of Arts Collaborative Research Awards and the Centre for Comparative Literature and Translation Studies at the University of Glasgow. We extend our sincere thanks for their generous support in making this event possible.

Program Details (UK time):

13.00-13.15 Welcome and registration

13.15-13.20 Introduction from host Yujia Flavia Jin (University of Glasgow).

13.20-13.30 Opening remarks by Professor Louise Harris (Dean of Postgraduate Research, College of Arts and Humanities, University of Glasgow).

13.30-14.30 Session One ‘Gaming Industry in Scotland'

Dr Timothy Peacock (University of Glasgow), Introduction to UofGGamesLab and gaming research at Glasgow.

Brian Baglow (Founder of Scottish Games Network), Introduction to the gaming industry in Scotland.

Audience Q&A (10 mins)

14.40 – 16.00 Session Two ‘Assassin’s Creed: Mirage Baghdad Codex’

Dr Glaire Anderson (University of Edinburgh), Dr Raphaël Weyland (Ubisoft), Introduction to the Assassin’s Creed: Mirage Baghdad Codex Feature

Audience Q&A 

Tea/Coffee Break 16.00-16.30  (Venue in Glasgow University Union, coffee and snacks provided)

16.30-17.00 Session Three ‘Public History and Video Games’

Professor Jerome de Groot (University of Manchester), Public History and Video Games

Audience Q&A (10 mins)

17.00 – 17. 50 Final Roundtable ‘Building Bridges: Academia, the Game Industry, and Career Path Insights’, including Professor Jerome de Groot, Dr Glaire Anderson, Dr Raphaël Weyland, Brian Baglow, Yujia Flavia Jin

17.50 – 18.00 Concluding remarks

Pub gathering (at participants’ own expense)