James Banton

Lecturer

School of Digital, Technologies and Arts

I’m a lecturer with background in Games Programming.

I undertook a Bachelor's degree in Computer Games Programming, aiming my final year project at Artificial Intelligence methods and graduated into industry.

I worked at Red Kite Games, contributing to Mafia 1 and Mafia 3 Definitive Edition cross platform, and am named on some currently unannounced projects.

Continuing my research into a Masters I undertook a Computer Science (Software Engineering) MSc and focused my dissertation into current advancements surrounding Genetic Algorithms, specifically implementing NSGA-II into a game like framework.

I'm interested in all areas of AI especially integration with current game systems and future potential of believability and evolutionary strategies.

Academic qualifications

  • MSc Computer Science (Software Engineering), University of Staffordshire
  • BSc (Hons) Computer Games Programming, University of Staffordshire

Expertise

  • C++
  • C#
  • Unity
  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Computer Games Programming
  • Emergent Technologies

Research interests

  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Ludonarrative in Games
  • Emergent Technologies

Enterprise and commercial interests

I work closely with contacts in industry to secure placement and graduate opportunities, sourcing guest speakers from our extensive alumni network and ensuring that content taught is in line with industry standards.

Teaching

  • COSE50581 Further Games and Graphics Concepts (Module Leader)
  • COSE40638 Games Engine Creation
  • COSE50631 Technical Games Production
  • COSE60649 Advanced Virtual and Augmented Reality (Module Leader)
  • COSE40630 Fundamentals of Games and Graphical Systems
  • COSE50664 Virtual and Augmented Reality
for Career Prospects

Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2023

for Facilities

Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2023

for Social Inclusion

The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2023

of Research Impact is ‘Outstanding’ or ‘Very Considerable’

Research Excellence Framework 2021

of Research is “Internationally Excellent” or “World Leading”

Research Excellence Framework 2021

Four Star Rating

QS Star Ratings 2021