Meet the Game Programming lecturer at the cutting edge of interactive design

Anjuman Shaheen, Lecturer in Game Programming MSc, has completed an intensive summer school in Malta that explores the advancement of narrative video games, interactive video, artistic installations, XR and other emerging forms. Now, Anjuman is bringing the knowledge she learned in this insightful workshop to her practice as a lecturer at Falmouth.  

The course was led by the Association for Research in Digital Interactive Narratives (ARDIN), who invited a range of researchers and educators to explore contemporary approaches to game studies, providing insight into the advancement of all forms of interactive narrative.  

As Anjuman is passionate about fostering an interactive and inclusive learning environment at Falmouth, her time with ARDIN this summer has helped to advance her expertise in interactive game design. We caught up with Anjuman to learn more about her experience and how it will enrich her teaching. 

How was your experience at ARDIN Malta Summer School? Can you tell us more about the programme? 

The ARDIN Malta Summer School was an intensive and inspiring training programme focused on Interactive Digital Narrative (IDN) design. Over five enriching days in July, we explored how to design an impressive experience using design principles, generative AI, storytelling and cultural heritage. The experience centred on the interactive design of the Neolithic heritage of Malta through interactive digital experiences, allowing participants to collaborate across disciplines and experiment with cutting-edge narrative design tools. It was an incredible opportunity to engage with a global community of researchers, designers, and creatives who are all passionate about the future of storytelling.  

Did it help to inform your teaching or research, or vice versa, in any way? 

Absolutely! There was a strong synergy between the summer school and my work as a lecturer in game programming at Falmouth’s Games Academy. My teaching explores how reflective and interactive design can enhance player engagement and learning outcomes, and the ARDIN programme offered a brilliant opportunity to apply these principles in a real-world context. In return, the hands-on, interdisciplinary nature of the summer school experience will undoubtedly feed back into my teaching and curriculum development, especially in areas like interactive storytelling and game narrative in game design. 

How have you found your time working at the Games Academy? 

Working at the Games Academy has been incredibly rewarding. The creative and collaborative environment encourages both staff and students to explore bold ideas and push the boundaries of digital creativity in game design and development. I’m constantly inspired by the innovation happening around me, from student projects to research initiatives and opportunities like the ARDIN summer school. These things deepen that sense of connection between education, industry and international collaboration. 

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