The video games I’m playing
I’m Professor Chris Headleand, Head of the Games Institute at the University of Staffordshire. We are proud to be the UK’s largest games department, and one of the biggest in the world. It’s a fantastic community of designers, artists, animators and programmers, a group of developers who share a creative passion for video games.
When I’m not working with our students, engaging with industry, or undertaking research, I’m usually playing games myself.
Right now, that includes a mix of my favourite classics and some new releases. These include Red Dead Redemption 2, which I think is still one of the best examples of open-world storytelling ever made. I've also started playing Atomfall by Rebellion, a recent post-atomic survival game that really caught my eye for its world-building, and because it spoke to me as a proud northerner!
I’ve also been introducing my kids to the original "Worms" which I played in my childhood, one of the most timeless party games ever created. I also still love jumping into Fortnite with friends, especially since our students have recreated our own University of Staffordshire campus inside the game using Unreal Editor for Fortnite (which you can access with this island code 7421-1052-8692)
Watch Professor Chris Headleand playing and chatting about his favourite games at the moment 👇
These games are all quite different, but each connects deeply to something I enjoy teaching. Environmental storytelling, gameplay design, narrative, or multiplayer systems, and visual worldbuilding, every great game is a masterclass in creativity, collaboration, and technical skill; all qualities we are proud to nurture here at the Staffordshire Games Institute.
Our Games Institute has an incredible track record. We’re proud to have been recognised as TIGA’s Best Educational Institution in both 2024 and 2025, and ranked #1 in the UK for Games Design and Development in The Rookies School Rankings (2023 and 2025). We’re also home to the award-winning 1UP Scheme, where our students have the opportunity for paid work in our in-house studio to develop real titles. These games include the 2023 Best Arcade Game at the TIGA Industry Awards.
What makes Staffordshire stand out is the breadth of what we offer. Our courses cover every area of the games industry, programming, art, concept, animation, design, and production. These are all taught by domain specialists, many of which have worked in industry themselves. This includes myself, in addition to being an academic I have run a successful Indy studios, built the AI for NPCs, and released successful VR titles.
If you’re passionate about making games, and helping shape the future of interactive entertainment, I’d love to hear what you’re playing right now – and the kind of games you’d like to make in the future.
Drop your thoughts in the comments, and let’s talk games.
When I’m not working with our students, engaging with industry, or undertaking research, I’m usually playing games myself.
Right now, that includes a mix of my favourite classics and some new releases. These include Red Dead Redemption 2, which I think is still one of the best examples of open-world storytelling ever made. I've also started playing Atomfall by Rebellion, a recent post-atomic survival game that really caught my eye for its world-building, and because it spoke to me as a proud northerner!
I’ve also been introducing my kids to the original "Worms" which I played in my childhood, one of the most timeless party games ever created. I also still love jumping into Fortnite with friends, especially since our students have recreated our own University of Staffordshire campus inside the game using Unreal Editor for Fortnite (which you can access with this island code 7421-1052-8692)
Watch Professor Chris Headleand playing and chatting about his favourite games at the moment 👇
These games are all quite different, but each connects deeply to something I enjoy teaching. Environmental storytelling, gameplay design, narrative, or multiplayer systems, and visual worldbuilding, every great game is a masterclass in creativity, collaboration, and technical skill; all qualities we are proud to nurture here at the Staffordshire Games Institute.
Our Games Institute has an incredible track record. We’re proud to have been recognised as TIGA’s Best Educational Institution in both 2024 and 2025, and ranked #1 in the UK for Games Design and Development in The Rookies School Rankings (2023 and 2025). We’re also home to the award-winning 1UP Scheme, where our students have the opportunity for paid work in our in-house studio to develop real titles. These games include the 2023 Best Arcade Game at the TIGA Industry Awards.
What makes Staffordshire stand out is the breadth of what we offer. Our courses cover every area of the games industry, programming, art, concept, animation, design, and production. These are all taught by domain specialists, many of which have worked in industry themselves. This includes myself, in addition to being an academic I have run a successful Indy studios, built the AI for NPCs, and released successful VR titles.
If you’re passionate about making games, and helping shape the future of interactive entertainment, I’d love to hear what you’re playing right now – and the kind of games you’d like to make in the future.
Drop your thoughts in the comments, and let’s talk games.
(edited 2 months ago)
Reply 1
Final fantasy 7 is an epic game. But these games are not as popular like they used to be. Game genre is changing and maybe that's to suit those with short attention spans.
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