GAIN at the University of Surrey
Connecting and Collaborating
At the University of Surrey we are exploring how to best discover and meet the needs of the amazing Guildford games cluster. Our focus is on listening and learning through our funded projects and range of events in and beyond our new activity hub – the Games Innovation Zone.
If you are a games industry professional in the Guildford area we can offer you support in:
- Connecting with our academics to explore research and development projects,
- Understanding how to and apply for Innovate UK funding,
- Exploring Knowledge Transfer Partnerships,
- Games usability testing by the MSc Psychology in Game Design and Digital Innovation,
- Free use of our Games Innovation Zone for meetings and other activities.
The University of Surrey GAIN team comprises of:
- Caroline Fleming, Director Surrey Innovation District
- Charlotte Frost, GAIN Programme Manager
- Ping Deng, GAIN Knowledge Exchange Manager
- With support from the Surrey Research Park Communications & Engagement Team
Do reach out and let us know your needs.
Funded Projects
The University of Surrey GAIN team released two funding calls in May 2024: Proof-of-Concept Funding; and Industry Challenge Funding – with a total fund of £350,000. We received a diverse range of applications showcasing many innovative ideas. After a thorough evaluation by our dedicated review panel, based on criteria such as alignment with GAIN objectives, innovation, commercialisation potential, and impact, we have selected the below projects for funding.
Proof of Concept Funding
GAIN Proof of Concept Funding supports the translation of fundamental research/knowledge relevant to Games/CreaTech sector into new products, devices, therapies, policies and so on that will bring innovation to the sector and create impact.
Awarded Proof of Concept Projects:
∙ AI-Enhanced Game Accessibility and Inclusive Support (AEGIS), PI: Yuan Zou (Centre for Translation Studies).
∙ Large Language Models for Open-Ended Dialogue in Computer Games, PI: Frank Guerin (School of Comp Sci & Elec Eng).
∙ Socio-Emotional Skills and Wellbeing: An Adaptive Educational Game Teaching Life Skills, PI: Ferrante Neri School of Comp Sci & Elec Eng)
Image: Dr Yuan Zou presenting research at a GAIN academic networking event, (photo by Hesam Abbasi)
Industry Challenge Funding
Supports collaborative projects between academics at the University of Surrey and UK-registered businesses operating within the Games/CreaTech sector.
These projects should aim to solve industry challenges encountered by the partner businesses.
Awarded Industry Challenge Projects:
∙ Trauma-informed Gaming: Silver Script Games’ The Quiet Things and beyond, PI: Stephen Mooney (School of Arts, Humanities and Creative Industries),
Industry Partner: Silver Script Games Ltd.
∙ Empathic Virtual Actors (EVAs), PI: Jon Weinbren (School of Arts, Humanities and Creative Industries), Industry Partner: Atom Universe Ltd
∙ ConnectPlayWise: The Intergenerational Learning Platform to play Socio-Emotional Skills, PI: Brigitte Stangl (School of Hosp & Tourism Management), Business Partner: Safe in Our World.
∙ Generative AI for Social Music Game Design, PI: Wenwu Wang (CVSSP), Business Partner: Record Games Ltd.
∙ Using Blockchain for Fortnite Creative Economy 2.0 in Metaverse, PI/Co-PI: Amit Jaiswal Kumar, Senmao Xia(Surrey Business School), Business Partner: Copper Candle Ltd.
Games Innovation Zone
Discover our brand-new Games Innovation Zone – at the heart of the University of Surrey campus, funded by Surrey County Council, and dedicated to the future of gaming!
Featured on the BBC and in GamesIndustry.biz, the dual-zoned space brings together all the skills and expertise needed at every stage of game production, from concept to console. These spaces are free to book and use – please contact Ping Deng via [email protected] .
For Wednesday free student gaming sessions 12.00 – 5.00. Book here.
Innovation Cube
Collaborate with industry pros and some of the UK’s brightest minds with expertise in disciplines such as AI, neuroscience and psychology, story and game narratives, blockchain and metaverse, to reshape the future of gaming experiences.
(image by Hesam Abbasi )
Explore our Innovation Cube
Explore the Innovation Cube: Rotate the images below for a 360-degree virtual tour
Below: The Games Innovation Zone Kitchen and additional seating.
Available Facilities & Equipment
- 2 x Sony BRAVIA XR 65” Mini LED 4k HDR TVs
- XBox X-Series with console
- XBox Ultimate Games Pass
- HDMI ports and cables to plug in your laptop
- Ethernet and WIFI
- Modular furniture which can be arranged to accommodate different activities
- Wheelchair accessibility
- Kitchenette with sink, fridge, kettle and coffee machine
Games Cube
Whether you’re an amateur or e-sports athlete, here you jump into a favourite game or beta test new and experimental titles, while those emerging developers out there can start to create the next big thing.
(image by Hesam Abbasi )
Virtual Tour of the Games Cube
Available Facilities & Equipment
7 x Alienware Aurora R-16 gaming desktops with NVIDIA GeForce RTX™ 40 Series high-performance graphics options
- 7 x Warrior Esports Stations
- 7 x Corsair TC100 Gaming Chairs
- XBox Ultimate Games Pass
- Steam
- 7 x HideIT folding privacy shields
- 7 x Alienware Tri-Mode Wireless Gaming Headset – AW920H
- 7 x HyperX Pulsefire Gaming Mouse Pads
- Logitech G Adaptive Gaming Kit
- 1 x fully accessible gaming desk
- 1 x Esports caster station with sit/stand desk and Vitade 862Pro webcam
- 1 x Sony BRAVIA 7 65” Class Mini LED QLED 4k HDR Goolge TV
- Ethernet and Wifi
- Wheelchair accessibility
Other equipment including VR headsets can be borrowed with advanced notice.