About us

investigate.Games is dedicated to the exploration of interactive games – including video games, tabletop games, and other forms of play – within both their socio-cultural and historical contexts. By examining their creation, evolution, and significance, we seek to deepen our understanding of games’ profound impact on individuals, communities, and society.

Play has long been recognized as a fundamental aspect of human interaction and a key focus within the social sciences. Interactive games, broadly defined, represent cultural artefacts that facilitate play in diverse forms, whether experienced collectively or individually.

Our research spans various disciplines, drawing insights from game studies, political economy, spatial theory, human-computer interaction, and ethnomethodology, among others. By engaging with these varied perspectives, we contribute to a richer appreciation of the roles games play in shaping contemporary culture.

At investigate.Games, we foster an inclusive and collaborative environment where academics, industry professionals, postgraduate researchers, and game enthusiasts can engage in meaningful dialogue about the significance of play in everyday life. We are committed to working with developers, designers, publishers, and educators to support funding initiatives, knowledge exchange, and public engagement. We ensure that our research and collaborations contribute to a deeper, more impactful understanding of games and their societal role.

Meet our team

Dr Matthew Spokes

Matthew is a Co-Director of investigate.games and an Associate Professor of Social Sciences at York St John University.

Together, Matthew and Jack lead on delivering our flagship Games Lab as part of the Aesthetica Short Film Festival.

Dr David Gundry

David is a member of investigate.games and a Lecturer in Computer Science at York St John University.

Dr Jack Denham

Jack is a Co-Director of investigate.games and an Associate Professor of Social Sciences at York St John University.

Together, Jack and Matthew lead on delivering our flagship Games Lab as part of the Aesthetica Short Film Festival.

Bego Medina Labayru

Bego is a member of investigate.games and a MA by Research student at York St John University.

Matt Coward-Gibbs

Matt is the Technical Director of investigate.games and a Senior Lecturer in Social Sciences at York St John University.

Matt leads investigate.games' collaboration with the York Board Games Convention and Demons Wake.

Dr Stephen Hirschler

Stephen is a member of investigate.games and a Senior Lecturer in Criminology at York St John University.

Caitlin Veal

Caitlin is the Social Media Lead for investigate.games and the convenor of the annual investigate.games PGR Conference. She is an Academic Associate and Doctoral Researcher in the Social Sciences at York St John University.