Research output per year
Research output per year
Dr
Research activity per year
I have been a Lecturer at Abertay since 2021. I am passionate about exploring the interplay between games, player experience, and data analysis, with a particular interest in competitive games as a space for investigating interactions, fairness, and skill.
My research seeks to understand how we can design more engaging games and how we can effectively measure player engagement and enjoyment. I am particularly interested in applying data-driven approaches to understand and enhance player behaviour.
My PhD (Computer Science at Glasgow University with Prof Alice Miller, 2021) investigated the use of formal methods, specifically probabilistic model checking, for game balancing. In this work, I combined theoretical investigations with practical game development, creating a mobile game and using automated verification techniques which I then compared to actual player behaviour.
I am the Competitive Game Lab Lead and have established the associated research group. We have a research agenda focused on competitive gaming, player behavior, and game accessibility. Our mission is 'to widen access to competitive games', both through technological innovation and an enhanced understanding of the social and technical barriers to play, aiming to foster more inclusive and engaging gaming experiences.
I am also active in the use of games technology for social good, particularly in community-driven healthcare applications like reminiscence therapy.
For accessible highlights of my recent work, see:
My research program explores the application of analytical and technological methods to enhance player experience and accessibility in games, with a particular focus on competitive environments and the use of games for positive impact.
My research interests include:
I also maintain an active interest in role-playing and boardgames and football analytics.
I am currently supervising:
I teach both programming and design students. Modules include: Data Structures & Algorithms (CMP105), Games Programming (CMP201), Professional Projects (DES315), Professional Development (CMP424) and Honours Project Tutorials (CMP400).
I supervise dissertation projects for Games Programming Honours, Game Design & Production Honours, the Games Technology MSc and the AI & UX MSc.
In 2015, UN member states agreed to 17 global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure prosperity for all. This person’s work contributes towards the following SDG(s):
Computer Science, PhD, Using Probabilistic Model Checking to Balance Games, University of Glasgow
31 Oct 2017 → 1 Jan 2022
Award Date: 1 Jul 2022
Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding › Conference contribution
Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding › Conference contribution
Research output: Non-textual form › Digital or Visual Products
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Kavanagh, W. (Creator), Wallis, T. (Creator) & Miller, A. (Creator), University of Glasgow, 25 Sept 2020
DOI: 10.5525/gla.researchdata.1070
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