David Nicholls

David Nicholls is an accomplished game designer and developer with expertise in game mechanics, human computer interfaces for games, and developing mobile/console games. He also researches XR technologies to improve mental health and diagnoses as the co-lead of the CADE (Centre for Active Digital Education) XR special interest research group.

David’s experience in the industry is in game design, level design, and mobile/console development. Having worked at game studios and independently, he has gained knowledge of game development practices for many different types of projects and team sizes.

His contributions towards games have been recognised by BAFTA for his talent and skills in game design. Additionally, he was also nominated for the BAFTA Young Game Designer Mentor award for their teaching.

Currently David is the programme leader for game design and is starting their PhD in game mechanics and game genres. He is also the creative director at the university in-house game company: Goblin Games.

David's research interests include:

• Human Computer Interface Design for Games
• Interaction and Game Mechanics for games
• XR Technologies
• Game Console Development
• Indie Game Development
• Interaction Installation Art and Performances
• Game Genres

David's teaching expertise includes:

• Interaction and Game Mechanics for games
• Game Design and Level Design
• Unity Game Engine and C#
• XR Technologies
• Machine Learning in Game Engines