Drawing on the University’s diverse community of over 80 specialist games lecturers and more than 2,000 games students, the YouTube series takes the ‘let’s play’ format and remixes it with academic expertise and student perspectives.
Each episode incorporates gameplay of some of the most iconic computer games and invites a panel of guests to give their insights into one of the fastest growing industries in the world.
The third series kicks off with a special episode filmed in new industry level esports facilities which opened at the Stoke-on-Trent campus this year following £2.7m investment. Viewers can tune in to find out who was victorious when Games vs Esports staff battled it out playing Valorant in the Esports Arena.
Level of Detail was recognised at the HEIST Awards 2024, winning Silver in the ‘Best Use of Content’ category. The judges praised the fun approach, describing it as "innovative, unique, engaging – and a perfect example of how academics can be a fantastic asset.”
Future episodes will explore the legacy of the Legend of Zelda series, taking a look at the latest release Echoes of Wisdom.
Disc-Go! – which was developed in-house over six weeks as part of the University of Staffordshire’s 2024 1UP placement scheme – will also be in the spotlight. It is the only student made game shortlisted in the ‘Social Game’ category at next month’s TIGA Games Industry Awards 2024, up against well-known titles including Helldivers 2.
Professor Chris Headleand, who leads University of Staffordshire’s Games Institute, said: “We’re excited to kick off our third series of Level of Detail. With the largest games department in the UK, this series taps into our 20 years of expertise in teaching the art of game development. Each episode brings together our seasoned teaching team, diving into contemporary topics in the world of games – while playing everything from retro classics to the latest blockbuster releases. Admittedly, while our gameplay skills may occasionally leave something to be desired, our knowledge of the industry is cutting edge.
“Level of Detail is all about engaging gamers through games. Speaking their language, while offering insider perspectives on the industry and giving viewers an idea of what it’s like to study with us. We’ve got an amazing line-up for this season, including spotlights on games developed by our students through our sector-leading 1UP placement scheme.”
Watch Level of Detail on University of Staffordshire’s YouTube channel.