Kim Western

Role

Kim is a Senior Lecturer with over ten years of experience teaching in Higher Education. They currently serve as Module Leader for both the MA Content Creation and BSc Games Design courses, while also contributing to a range of modules, including Game Studies, Games Programming, and Games Studio.

Kim’s research interests focus on virtual identities within video games, exploring the concept of the self in digital and virtual worlds, as well as the role and impact of vocational education in the creative industries. Their work investigates how players engage with their avatars and digital personas, along with the wider social and psychological implications of these interactions.

Beyond teaching and research, Kim has been a dedicated Women in Games Ambassador for the past five years, actively advocating for gender diversity and inclusion within the games industry and academia. They regularly organise social events and networking opportunities for staff and students, including annual Game Jams for International Women’s Day to raise money for charities chosen by students.

Career overview

Kim previously worked in the games and film industries before entering academia.

They worked for SEGA on the full-motion based theatre and began their academic career in higher education by teaching on BSc Games Production.

Whilst starting their academic career, they achieved an MA Digital Humanities degree and PGCE.

Kim is currently working on their doctorate, which focuses on creative industry degree courses and bridging the gap between industry and academia.

External activity

• Women in Games Ambassador - https://www.womeningames.org/welcome-to-our-new-april-2024-ambassadors/
• Award from Women in games global awards 2022 – Games or Esports Diversity Initiative - https://www.womeningames.org/the-women-in-games-global-awards-2022-our-deserved-winners/
• ITV Regional news Press Interview for women and families playing games during Covid Pandemic in 2021
• ITV Regional news Press Interview for impact on gaming in 2022
• Notts TV Interview for Games Jam 2023 - https://confetti.ac.uk/industry-week-23-day-5-highlights/