Heralding 20 Years of Games: The Christmas Lectures

Staffordshire University is using it’s 20 years of games anniversary to share its remarkable expertise in a series of online Christmas Lectures.

20 Years of games-Ident-Full_Colour (002)

The Christmas Lectures are part of the University's 20 years of games campaign

As one of the largest games department in the UK, we have some phenomenal experts on the staff team and we’re making it our mission to share our knowledge more widely.

Professor Chris Headleand, Head of Games Development

Delivered by academics from the Games Design and Esports departments at Staffordshire University, the Christmas Lectures cover a fascinating range of topics for potential students and anyone interested in developing their skills.

Taking place between Monday 11 December and Thursday 14 December, there are 16 live lectures to choose from and all can be viewed for free on the Games Development YouTube channel.

Viewers can take their pick of lectures ranging from the purely educational ‘Where a career in games can take you’, ‘The fall and rise of cloud streaming technologies’ and ‘Using Games in Medical Training’ to the entertaining ‘A Brief History of all the Men I’ve Dated in Video Games (and the Mechanics Involved)’, ‘One Game to Rule them All: How Games Studies May Unlock the Secrets of Humanity’ and ‘From Dead Goats to Thieving Landlords, an Incomplete History of Boardgames.’

Head of the Games Development Department,Professor Chris Headleand said: “As one of the largest games department in the UK, we have some phenomenal experts on the staff team and we’re making it our mission to share our knowledge more widely.

“Games education is constantly evolving and can unlock careers in the games industry but the skills are also very much in demand in training, healthcare, marketing, architecture and heritage.”

“This year we are going all out with our Christmas Lectures to highlight some of the more unusual adaptations of computer games technology and the increasingly important part it has to play in all our lives.”

Recordings of the Christmas Lectures will also be available to view on Youtube after the events and any schools or colleges wanting to request a specific topic or subject talk can do so by filling out the University’s interest form.

Latest news


Female graduates hugging

Entrepreneurs embark on better, brighter futures!

A second cohort of talented innovators have graduated from a unique Masters degree in Entrepreneurship at University of Staffordshire.

A group of students and councillors

Students have designs on creating history for Fenton

Students are given a key role in honouring the city’s rich history, vibrant culture and unique identity as part of the Centenary celebrations

A male and female student taking a selfie together.

More than play: Learning, networking and inspiration at EGX 2024

EGX 2024 allowed students to network with professionals, discover cutting-edge techniques, and find inspiration for their own projects.

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