AGGR aims to foster and facilitate interdisciplinary research on and via digital and traditional games. It draws on the multifaceted experience of critical and applied games design of the Digital Arts Research Team and it seeks to offer expertise on games research and games-driven interdisciplinary projects that bring together Humanities, Social Sciences, and STEM disciplines. We have diverse areas of expertise, know-how, and facilities, with a critical and forward-thinking appreciation of the growing cultural, social, and economic relevance of digital games at a global scale.
Members
Girina
ivan girina is a senior lecturer in game studies and holds a phd in film and television studies from the university of warwick, his research is currently focused on digital games asethetic, particualrly its relationship with cinema and larger visual media landscapes. ivan is also co-founder and member of the editorial board of the international academic journal g|a|m|e – games as art, media and entertainment. he has published on a variety of topics such as: cinematic games; video game agency; film and new media; media literacy and education; and italian regional cinema. i am module convenor for: fm2608 (ba) - game studies 2: concepts and analysis fm3615 (ba) - theory project: business & development fm3616 (ba) - theory project: game analysis gd3600 (ba) - film and video games gd5600 (ma) - interdisciplinary module gd5604 (ma) - game studies: cocepts, contexts & analysis
![Dr Ivan Girina]()
Dr Ivan Girina
Ivan Girina is a Senior Lecturer in Game Studies and holds a PhD in Film and Television Studies from the University of Warwick, his research is currently focused on digital games asethetic, particualrly its relationship with cinema and larger visual media landscapes. Ivan is also co-founder and member of the Editorial Board of the international academic journal G|A|M|E – Games as Art, Media and Entertainment. He has published on a variety of topics such as: cinematic games; video game agency; film and new media; media literacy and education; and Italian regional cinema. I am Module Convenor for: FM2608 (BA) - Game Studies 2: Concepts and Analysis FM3615 (BA) - Theory Project: Business & Development FM3616 (BA) - Theory Project: Game Analysis GD3600 (BA) - Film and Video Games GD5600 (MA) - Interdisciplinary Module GD5604 (MA) - Game Studies: Cocepts, Contexts & Analysis
Ivanescu
i am a senior lecturer and programme lead for the games design ba at brunel university london, where lead modules across our undergraduate programme and contribute significantly to curriculum development. my teaching focuses on equipping students with the critical and practical skills needed to analyze and create within the dynamic field of video games. i am committed to fostering an inclusive and collaborative learning environment that encourages students to engage deeply with the cultural and societal dimensions of games. my research complements my teaching, focusing on issues of representation, censorship, nostalgia, and genre in games, as well as the role of music and sound in shaping player experiences. this interdisciplinary approach enables me to bring fresh insights into the classroom, connecting academic theory with real-world applications in game design and analysis. in addition to my academic responsibilities, i contribute to the wider research community as a board member for organizations such as british digra and the ludomusicology research group, reflecting my dedication to advancing the study of games both within and beyond the university setting. game censorship and regulation video game music and ludomusicology gender and representation in games genre conventions in video games popular music and nostalgia policy and public engagement game studies ludomusicology cultural studies gender studies popular music studies game studies game genre research methods socio-cultural studies ludomusicology throughout my time at brunel i have taught modules at every level of our taught programmes (fhea l4, l5, l6 and l7). i have also successfully supervised both undergraduate and ma dissertations (2017-present), with one of my ma dissertation students winning the dean’s prize in 2017. i have also received two student-led teaching awards nominations for best tutor/supervisor. i am also an hea fellow.
![Dr Andra Ivanescu]()
Dr Andra Ivanescu
I am a Senior Lecturer and Programme Lead for the Games Design BA at Brunel University London, where lead modules across our undergraduate programme and contribute significantly to curriculum development. My teaching focuses on equipping students with the critical and practical skills needed to analyze and create within the dynamic field of video games. I am committed to fostering an inclusive and collaborative learning environment that encourages students to engage deeply with the cultural and societal dimensions of games. My research complements my teaching, focusing on issues of representation, censorship, nostalgia, and genre in games, as well as the role of music and sound in shaping player experiences. This interdisciplinary approach enables me to bring fresh insights into the classroom, connecting academic theory with real-world applications in game design and analysis. In addition to my academic responsibilities, I contribute to the wider research community as a board member for organizations such as British DiGRA and the Ludomusicology Research Group, reflecting my dedication to advancing the study of games both within and beyond the university setting. Game Censorship and Regulation Video Game Music and Ludomusicology Gender and Representation in Games Genre Conventions in Video Games Popular Music and Nostalgia Policy and Public Engagement Game Studies Ludomusicology Cultural Studies Gender Studies Popular Music Studies Game Studies Game Genre Research Methods Socio-Cultural Studies Ludomusicology Throughout my time at Brunel I have taught modules at every level of our taught programmes (FHEA L4, L5, L6 and L7). I have also successfully supervised both undergraduate and MA dissertations (2017-present), with one of my MA dissertation students winning the Dean’s Prize in 2017. I have also received two Student-Led Teaching Awards nominations for Best Tutor/Supervisor. I am also an HEA Fellow.