As we bid farewell to 2023 and welcome the possibilities that 2024 holds, it’s a fitting time to look back on the journey the GameChangers team undertook throughout the year. Having transitioned to the Centre for Postdigital Cultures at the close of 2022, the team found a new home as the Ludic Design theme within the Centre, marking a significant milestone for the GameChangers Initiative.
Let’s explore the key highlights that shaped the year:
January: The 5th RemixPlay Summit The year began with the successful organisation of the 5th RemixPlay Summit at Coventry University, focusing on the theme of “Secret Agents of Change.” Additionally, the ACES project officially concluded, but its impact continued through collaborative activities, including a noteworthy partnership with the Malaria Research Centre in Malaysia for playful community awareness programmes.
February: Helsinki and Frozen Lake Participation in the Advisory Group meeting for the Critical Project in Helsinki provided an opportunity for collaboration. Had my first dip into a frozen lake with the project team!
March: Reporting and research outcomes The ACES project’s comprehensive reporting on the UKRI ResearchFish platform showcased its outputs and outcomes.
April: Global Collaborations A notable highlight included reviewing the Game programme at Multimedia University in Malaysia, fostering further international connections. Collaborators from Łukasiewicz – ITEE Poland visited, leading to the submission of a proposal for the Horizon Europe WIDERA funding call, focusing on game-based intervention and research capacity building in adult education.
August: Advancements in Research The team hosted the playtesting of the Cardia (wearable) game interface, developed by Manchester Metropolitan University. Additionally, active involvement in the NiHR funded Bridging project focusing on VR and Autism demonstrated the commitment to cutting-edge research.
September: DALI Project in Norway and Publications The DALI project took the team to Bergen, Norway, for a Training Event, emphasising gameplay sessions and game design thinking sessions based on GameChangers’ Remixing Play approach. Notably, the publication of articles on immersive technology and wearable game interfaces further showcased the team’s research interests.
October: Data Literacy Games and Book Chapter Engaging Coventry City Council, City Libraries, volunteer sectors, NGOs, and charities with games for developing data literacy marked a milestone, sparking discussions on adapting the Game of Phones for dementia support. The publication of a book chapter on the ACES project added depth to the team’s academic contributions.
November: Recognition and Impact Acceleration Funding The ACES project received acclaim as a QS Reimagine Education Awards 2023 finalist. Participation in the EPSRC Festival for Social Sciences showcased impactful games like Homeless Monopoly and DALI data literacy games. Importantly, the team secured three new impact acceleration fundings from the REDF fund, reinforcing its commitment to innovative projects.
December: New Projects and Achievements Collaboration with Indonesian partners on the ACES project led to funding for a follow-on project from the British Council, focusing on Disability Inclusion Partnerships. Notably, the team celebrated the success of the team’s first Coventry-Deakin Cotutelle PhD student, Saif Alatrash, while the ACES project secured a Bronze award at the QS Reimagine Education Awards 2023 for Sustainability Education. Well done to our collaborators in Indonesia, Malaysia, and Vietnam.
Consistent Pursuit of Excellence Throughout the year, the GameChangers team consistently explored new funding and collaboration opportunities, submitting 11 project proposals with a total project value of about £5 million. With one success, four awaiting outcomes, and valuable lessons learned from the ones that didn’t make the cut, the team’s dedication to expanding the impact of its work and fostering partnerships remained steadfast.
As the curtains fall on 2023, the GameChangers team stands at the crossroads of past achievements, poised for new adventures in 2024. The collaborative spirit and dedication to innovation continue to propel us forward into a promising future. Thanks to the Gamechangers team members and our associates around the world!
Have a glorious 2024 everyone!!!
Sylvester Arnab 