Venture through the gloomy mind of a grief-stricken child to bring life back as you remember the good times you spent with your best friend in this third-person puzzle platformer. Take control of Timmy and rediscover memories as you traverse this beautiful Tim Burton-inspired world. An in-development project by a small passionate group, created in Unreal 5 that aims to deliver a beautiful and emotional experience of overcoming grief.
Who we are
The Experimental Games Lab is a cross-institutional interdisciplinary research initiative integrating Virtual Production (VP), Real-time engines, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Extended Reality (XR) to explore the confluence of game design, film, animation, and the creative arts. Our team is dedicated to expanding the boundaries of game design and interactive entertainment through an understanding of games as culturally significant artifacts that reflect and shape human behaviour and societal values.
What we do
Our research aims to uncover novel and impactful approaches to game design and interactive experiences by leveraging cutting-edge technologies and innovative methodologies. The lab aims to offer fresh perspectives and valuable insights for creators across the spectrum of entertainment experiences, from traditional and serious games to immersive cinematic environments.
Research Team
HDR Collaborators
- David King
- Nathan Jensen
- Cameron Atkins
- Zara Jones Gee
- Owen Loakes
- Charlie Cooper
Research Associates
- Dr Colleen Steiler-Hunt
- Dr Alex Muscat
- Dr Chris Worford
Projects
The Hue Within
> Project Information
Enabler Interactive
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A research collaboration with industry Enabler Interactive Pty Ltd. This organisation uses games-based learning to improve engagement, confidence and learning outcomes for NDIS Support Workers. The collaboration seeks to better understand how digital games can impact learning outcomes and preparedness of disability support workers for real-world scenarios compared to conventional training methods.
Edible Gardens
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This project aims to address barriers to civil society adoption of agroecology by developing an Augmented Reality App that enables regenerative urban farming. The goal is to use experimental technology and games to promote food sovereignty, community supported agriculture, and sustainable food systems.
Virtual Production for Pre-Visualisation
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This project is aimed to understand how emerging virtual production approaches for feature films can be democratised for use in lo-fi future screen applications. The ability for systems such as this to be applied in scalable production scenarios allows for its use in diverse socio-cultural contexts, providing greater access to people who may not have the economic conditions required to participate in this type of technology.
Blue Island
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The Blue Island Project focuses on harnessing the persuasive power of video games and Fortnite Fever to support mental health and promote positive thinking habits in young men.
AnatoMe
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The AnatoMe Project was an exciting experiment exploring a small proof of concept application that used augmented reality technology to enable medical visualisation in real-time. While the initial project is complete there is scope to expand on this project.
Alt-AR
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The Alt-AR project was developed in collaboration with University of the Sunshine Coast and Folly Games. The project focused on developing an interactive mixed reality (MR) experience that was presented as part of the 2021 Anywhere Festival.
Events
Experimental Game Design Conference
The Experimental Game Design Conference explores the confluence of game design, film, animation, and the creative arts. It offers a forum for academics, early career researchers, practitioners, players, and industry to connect and discuss the practice and potential of game design. Held at Griffith Film School's Southbank facilities annually, the event features presentations, paper streams, networking opportunities, and an independent games showcase.
24-Hour Game Design Jam
The 24-Hour Game Design Jam is a fast-paced and intensive event where participants are tasked to create a game from scratch in just 24 hours. Featuring groups from Griffith Film School and other local universities including Queensland University of Technology and University of Canberra, participants respond to prompt words or themes selected by industry partners, who get the opportunity to play-test and give feedback on the final games.