Innovative Pathways: 8 Questions with Andrew Kemp-Wilcox, Assistant Professor of Practice

The InfoSci experience means diversity—our college supports everybody from the most tech-minded researchers to the theoreticians like myself, from data science to human-computer interaction to video game narrative. So whatever your interests, whatever your personal story, there is a pathway where you’ll feel comfortable and set yourself up for success. That’s amazing, really.

  
Dr. Andrew Kemp-Wilcox joined the College of Information Science in 2022 after a successful career as a video game content writer and designer. He earned his PhD in Communication from Georgia State University and teaches students in the BA in Games and Behavior and BS in Game Design and Development programs.

Tell us about your professional video game experience before joining the University of Arizona.

Before I pursued my PhD, I had worked for quite a while in the video game industry. I began as a copywriter and content writer, and eventually became a narrative designer and game designer during the mobile/social game boom in the mid-2010s. I decided to study video games full time and joined the Film, Media and Theater program at Georgia State University in 2015. I specialized in game studies and narrative studies, but I was also able to utilize my industry experience to bring that necessary perspective into the conversation. Upon completing my doctorate, I was thrilled to join the College of Information Science and share my experiences with the students here in Arizona.

Tell us about your current research.

As an assistant professor of practice, my focus is on teaching and the students, but I still try to find time to continue my research when I can! My doctorate research was in understanding game narrative from a more phenomenological position than the usual structured approach: How does the player co-produce the narrative via their lived, embodied experience? I hope this work might help develop stronger, more compelling narratives by focusing on what games do best.
 

What are you teaching this year, and what do you most enjoy about teaching?

I am thrilled to be teaching a variety of courses for the College of Information Science. I regularly teach GAME 308: Diversity and Bias in Games, and GAME 307: Narrative Practices in Digital Games, both of which prominently feature cutting-edge theory and research on the field, all grounded by my lived experience as a working professional witnessing industry practices from the inside. I recently added GAME 312: Monetizing Independent Gaming to my schedule as well, which speaks directly to my history monetizing games for a living.

How do you bring your research and prior experience as a game designer into your teaching?

I’m proud that I can speak to both “sides” of the key issues in the games industry. Industry veterans are usually too busy to really engage with the academic research on games, especially their impact on players and culture. On the other hand, some researchers can only speculate or ask questions about what the thinking is in the industry in regards to products, demographics and communities. My unique position allows me to focus on both, and I hope that my students find that valuable.

How else do you engage with students to foster their academic and professional growth in the games industry?

When I worked in games, I witnessed first hand a lot of very shady, even abusive, practices. It is a personal mission for me to prepare students for what they will really face as industry professionals, and for how their work will impact their audience. I want them to get, and to stay, employed in the industry, but more than that I want them to be happily employed. And so I talk to students frankly and with the passion I share for this medium.
 

Beyond teaching and research, what are your passions? 

Even before games, I had a passion for cinema and even worked as a screenwriter and content producer, so you’ll always hear me talking films and filmmaking. I’m also a lifelong baseball fan.

What advice do you have for prospective or current InfoSci students? 

You will be amazed at the breadth and depth of the information that’s out there, so pursue everything you can! When I was your age, I didn’t know I would make a life in games. You never know where your studies may lead you, so be open to following any path that interests you.

What does the InfoSci experience mean to you?

The InfoSci experience means diversity—our college supports everybody from the most tech-minded researchers to the theoreticians like myself, from data science to human-computer interaction to video game narrative. So whatever your interests, whatever your personal story, there is a pathway where you’ll feel comfortable and set yourself up for success. That’s amazing, really.
 

Learn more about Andrew Kemp-Wilcox on his faculty page, or explore ways you can support the dynamic, student-invested faculty of the College of Information Science

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