I am a Games Technical Design Lecturer at Staffordshire University, specialising in the design principles and technical implementation of game software. I am Module leader and Course Leader for two of Staffordshire University’s Foundation Games Design degrees.
I have been teaching games development at university for 8 years, covering many aspects such as game engines, design methods and game art. During this time, I have gained experience in all aspects of higher education, from content creation and delivery (both in person and online) through to regulations and customer service.
I am passionate about teaching, with a focus on entertaining and inspiring students – making games is one of the most rewarding technical and creative endeavors that someone can do, and I hope to instill this passion in my students.
Professional memberships and activities
Fellow of Higher Education Academy (FHEA)
Academic qualifications
- Master of Science (MSc): Computer Games Design - 2009
Staffordshire University, Stoke-On-Trent
- Post Graduate Certificate in Higher and Professional Education (PGCHPE) - 2013
Staffordshire University, Stoke-On-Trent
- Batchelor of Science (BSc) with honours: Interactive Entertainment Technology – 2:1 (Upper Second Class) – 2004
Staffordshire University, Stoke-On-Trent
- ILM Level 5 in Coaching and Mentoring – 2014
Staffordshire University, Stoke-On-Trent
Expertise
- Games Design
- Technical Design
- Game Art
Research interests
- Procedural Asset Generation
- Player Behaviour and Performance
- Teaching and Learning in Games
- Games Jams
Teaching
Undergraduate
- Introduction to 3D Games Engines
- Game Theory & Mechanics
- 2D Games Engines
- Introduction to Games Design
Postgraduate
- Masters Project Supervision
Publications
Dr Bobbie Fletcher, David James - Grassroots Esports Players: Improving Esports Cognitive Skills Through Incentivising Physical Exercise. Serious Games: Joint International Conference, JCSG 2021, Jan 2022.
David James – The Games Jam as a Catalyst for Games Design Education. Communities and Communication – Diverse Voices 2022, Staffordshire University, May 2022.
David James, Dr Bobbie Fletcher, Shaheena Saeed, Will Roberts – Research into the physical activity attitudes and behaviours of young gamers. Youth Sport Trust Conference, Coventry, Feb 2020
David James – Information Literacy in New University Starters. Innovative Practice in Higher Education, Vol. 1 No. 3 2014.