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:

The University of Surrey GAIN team comprises of:

Do reach out and let us know your needs.

GAIN – Get In Touch

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. 

Gaming computer and chair

Games Innovation Zone

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

Interactive 360 Viewer

Below: The Games Innovation Zone Kitchen and additional seating.

Interactive 360 Viewer

Available Facilities & Equipment

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

Interactive 360 Viewer

Available Facilities & Equipment

7 x Alienware Aurora R-16 gaming desktops with NVIDIA GeForce RTX™ 40 Series high-performance graphics options 

Other equipment including VR headsets can be borrowed with advanced notice. 

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