Digital Creativity Labs set to harness computer games tech for maximum impact

A major £18 million initiative for innovative research in digital and creative technologies has been launched by the University of York with Goldsmiths, University of London and other partner organisations.

The DC Labs will be a world centre of excellence for research, harnessing the huge potential of digital games and interactive media for economic, social and cultural impact.

Involving three UK research councils, four universities, and over 80 collaborative partner organisations, the DC Labs will foster connections between researchers, industry, government, the third sector and the general public. Although based at York, spoke sites will operate at Goldsmiths, the University of Falmouth and Cass Business School.

In collaboration with Creative England and other partners, the DC Labs will help organisations access the world-class research on offer at these and other UK universities to ensure that the UK capitalises on the business, cultural and lifestyle benefits of digital creativity.

Early projects include:

 

• Scientists, social scientists, government and third sector employees working together to explore how games and interactive media can be used for social good
• Museums, galleries and games publishers exploring how to improve engagement with digital archives and assets, maximising positive digital opportunities for creative culture
• Broadcast companies and producers developing new ways of interacting with TV programmes and theatre performances
• Local authorities exploring games and media to help them better reach citizens to improve understanding of policy changes
• Games companies working to embed novel artificial intelligence and decision-making techniques in new games

 

The DC Labs launch takes place on 6 April in York with a keynote address by award-winning broadcaster, journalist and author Kate Russell, a regular on the BBC’s technology programme CLICK. Members of the DC Labs will then join speakers from UK Interactive Entertainment, Creative England, the BBC, and Revolution Games for a panel discussion and audience Q&A. The event will culminate in an interactive exhibition and networking drinks session, giving attendees the opportunity to understand the aims of the DC Labs and influence its plans.