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The Games PhD: Yes, It’s a Good Investment

The commercial games industry is growing faster than the U.S. economy as a whole. For the 2009-2012 period, growth in the industry was 9.7%, while growth for the U.S. economy was just 2.4%. Further, direct employment in the games industry grew at an annual rate of 9%, while total U.S. employment increased at an annual rate of just 0.724%.

This booming industry has added $6.2 billion to the U.S. Gross Domestic Product (GDP), with 146,000 jobs (both direct and indirect) depending on it. Worldwide revenues are expected to reach $107 billion in 2017, and the current U.S. industry directly employs more than 42,000 people in 36 states. It’s no wonder professionals in the industry averaged close to $95,000 in 2012, which is more than double the National Average Wage Index (AWI) for that year. 

As you may have guessed, there has never been a better time to choose a career in the games industry, and colleges across the America have taken notice. Many schools now offer competitive degree programs in just about every area of game design and development and at every level. And because more game designers than ever before opt to work overseas, some schools, such as Becker College (Worcester, MA), even offer a Japanese Culture Specialization within their game design program. 

Game programming, game design, game audio, game development, game management and production, art and design, writing for games, game and interactive media, computer science, software development, and software engineering are just a few of the programs that can help graduates land a lucrative position in the games industry fairly quickly—even at the bachelor’s level. Aim for an advanced degree, and the chances of landing an even higher paying position greatly increase. Why? Because advanced degrees are in high demand in just about every professional career field. 

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Employers know that candidates with an advanced degree have certain skills that go beyond technology and creativity. Critical thinking, complex problem solving, and correct decision-making are three of the most desired skills employer’s look for. PhDs excel in all three areas. Employers also recognize that PhDs have the skills needed to organize and lead teams, teach, manage, and conduct research. While these skills are important in the academic world, they are also an asset at the higher levels at most major game studios, software development firms, and interactive media companies.

A games PhD will continue to work for graduates well after they’ve landed their dream job too. In fact, stability and salary growth are practically guaranteed at this level. Here’s why:

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the unemployment rate for PhD and Professional Degree holders is a mere 1.7% and 1.5%, respectively, and the rate for master’s degree holders is 2.4%. Compare this to 2.8%, 3.8%, and 5% for bachelor’s degree holders, associate degree holders, and those with some college, but no degree, respectively. Further, projected employment growth in the broader technology sector is an impressive 17% to 19% for the 2014-2024 decade, and salaries increased from a median average salary of $90,060-$99,000 in 2013 to $100,690 for 2015. In general, though, PhDs simply earn more. According to the BLS, the median weekly salary for PhDs is $1,623 and $1,341 per week for master’s degree holders. Bachelor’s degree holders average $1,137 per week, while associate’s degree holders and those with some college but no degree average $798 and $738 per week, respectively.

If you consider all of this and examine the average and upper level earnings for software developers overall (possibly $153,710-$159,850 per year according to the BLS and $220,000 for the highest paid game designer salary or $310,000 for the highest programmer salary, as reported by the International Game Developer Association-IGDA) and compare them to average tuition rates for PhD programs, the clear conclusion is this: an investment in a Games PhD is a good one. Let’s take a look at average tuition costs for good measure. 

According to the U.S. Department of Education's National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), the average tuition for a doctorate degree at a public school was $10,725 each year for 2013-2014 school year. Private school tuition was $22,607 annually. A typical doctoral program takes five years to complete (full-time). This brings the total cost of the degree to around $53,625-$113,035, depending on whether the program is at a public or private school. 

Fortunately, a number of public and private schools offer PhD programs that can help prepare students for higher-level positions in the games industry. Below are several that are at the top of their game.  

Games PhD Programs  

Michigan State University (MSU), College of Communication Arts and Sciences, PhD Media and Information Studies ( Games and Meaningful Play )

University of California Santa Cruz (UC Santa Cruz), Center for Games and Playable Media ( CGPM ), PhD Computer Science with a Focus on Games

Cornell University, The Game Design Initiative at Cornell ( GDIAC ), PhD Computer Science/Game Design Research Topic

University of Southern California (USC), Viterbi School of Engineering , PhD Computer Science/Game Design Research or Specialized Area

University of Washington’s (UW) Computer Science & Engineering ( CSE ) Department, Center for Game Science ( CGS ), PhD Computer Science/Game Science, Computer Graphics, Animation Research or Projects

University of Essex York, University of Essex, and Goldsmiths University of London (partnership), EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Intelligent Games and Games Intelligence ( IGGI ), PhD in IGGI 

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Digest of Education Statistics . Institute of Education Sciences (IES), National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), n.d. Web. 01 June 2016. 

"Earnings and Unemployment Rates by Educational Attainment." U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics . United States Department of Labor, 15 Mar. 2016. Web. 01 June 2016.

Hankel, Isiah. "7 Advantages PhDs Have Over Other Job Candidates." Cheeky Scientist, 07 Dec. 2014. Web. 01 June 2016.  

National Average Wage Index . Social Security Administration, n.d. Web. 01 June 2016.

Owen, David. "Is It Worth Doing a Degree in Video Games?" IGN . IGN Entertainment, 02 Apr. 2013. Web. 01 June 2016. 

Sinclair, Brendan. "Gaming Will Hit $91.5 Billion This Year." GamesIndustry.biz . Gamer Network, 22 Apr. 2015. Web. 01 June 2016. 

Siwek, Stephen E. "Video Games in the 21st Century." The ESA . Entertainment Software Association (ESA), 2014. Web. 01 June 2016. 

"Software Developers Summary." Occupational Outlook Handbook . U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 17 Dec. 2015. Web. 01 June 2016. 

"Video Game Industry Pay and Benefits." Job Monkey, n.d. Web. 01 June 2016.

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The Best Free PhD Programs. Fully funded PhD programs

Navigating the complexities of PhD programs, one term often dominates the discourse – “fully funded”.

It represents a golden opportunity wherein all tuition fees and living expenses are covered by the educational institution, allowing students to focus on their research and studies free from financial constraints.

In this blog post, we explore what fully funded really means, share the author’s personal journey of pursuing a PhD in Australia, delve into the policies of various countries offering free or nearly free PhD programs, and provide key tips for securing a fully funded PhD opportunity.

Whether you’re considering a domestic program or an international adventure, the insights and tips offered here could pave the way to an invaluable, financially stress-free academic journey.

What Does Fully Funded Mean?

In 2023, the concept of a “fully funded” PhD program signifies that the entirety of expenses related to the doctoral program is covered. This includes tuition fees, which are either waived or entirely paid for by the educational institution.

Beyond tuition, the program also encompasses a living stipend or allowance given to doctoral students. 

Fully funded PhD programs essentially function as a comprehensive scholarship, covering everything from tuition fees to books and other necessary supplies.

While the stipend amount can vary based on the institution, it is generally sufficient to cater to the basic living expenses of the students, covering rent, food, and transportation costs.

The main aim of providing this stipend to doctoral students is to facilitate a learning environment where they can focus entirely on their studies, research, and dissertation, without the distraction of financial pressures. 

Universities, including public ones, offer these fully funded doctoral programs with the intention to draw in the best students.

These students, in turn, are expected to contribute significantly to the advancement of research in their respective fields and derive a high-quality education from their doctorates.

It is important to note that eligibility for these scholarships or stipends requires proof of commitment to the doctoral degree. In my experience, this meant securing a top-class master’s degree. This reassured the university of my dedication to pursuing a PhD and furthering my education.

In recent years, there has been a rise in such fully funded programs online , offering a wider reach for prospective PhDs.

As we move further into 2023, students may increasingly opt for these online PhD programmes, making the pursuit of doctoral degrees more accessible than ever.

Countries with a free PhD / fully funded PhD

Sometimes doing a free PhD means going abroad and doing your PhD in another country.

Personally, I travelled to Australia to do my PhD for the adventure and lifestyle. I was able to get a fully funded placement and international student fee waiver for three years to finish my degree.

Here’s a summary of some of the best countries you could do you PhD in if you want to do it for free.

In the Czech Republic , public universities host a multitude of English-language PhD programs and these programs are free for all PhD students, irrespective of their nationality. However, additional costs may be incurred by international students which might include language courses, health insurance, or student services fees, depending on the university policies.

Sweden maintains a unique policy that not only eradicates PhD fees at public universities but also provides study grants to some PhD students, which serves as a financial aid for their living expenses during the tenure of their studies.

In Germany , public universities offer feeless PhD programs to all students. However, a nominal administration fee, approximately €300 per semester, is required. This fee usually covers student services and perks like public transportation and access to university facilities.

Austria ‘s policy benefits PhD students from within the EU and EEA who complete their doctorates within a stipulated time frame, offering free education at public research universities. International students, on the other hand, have to pay fees, which, nonetheless, are capped by the Austrian government to maintain affordability.

Norway , like its Nordic counterparts, offers free PhD education at public universities to all students, regardless of their origin. But a small semester fee, usually covering student services, is obligatory.

Denmark also practices a policy of free PhD education for EU, EEA, and Swiss students at public universities, but international students are required to pay fees, which are generally on the higher side compared to other European countries.

Finland doesn’t discriminate in terms of nationality and offers free PhD studies at public universities. However, international students are charged for their Masters programs.

Saudi Arabia stands out with its unique policy where all PhD students are awarded scholarships that automatically cover their education fees, as well as help them with living expenses.

In the Netherlands , PhD study isn’t universally free, but many institutions extend the offer of free PhD study to international postgraduates. Some universities consider the PhD students as university employees, offering them a waiver on fees and potentially a salary or benefits.

Switzerland , although not offering free PhD studies, keeps its fees low at around CHF 1500 per year at public universities. State-funded PhD positions are also available to EU, EEA, and Swiss students that come with no fees and a maintenance grant.

Top tips for finding a PhD for free.

Here are the top tips I would give you when Choosing a free PhD.

• Apply to STEM programs: Many PhD (and Master’s) programs, especially in the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Math) fields, are fully funded in the US. Most state schools and Ivy League schools have fully funded programs for these fields.
• Prepare for stiff competition: Because these programs are fully funded, the competition is high. It’s not uncommon for hundreds or even thousands of students to apply to these programs each year, with only a small fraction being accepted.
• Consider assistantships: Fully-funded programs usually provide a stipend in the form of Graduate Teaching Assistant (GTA) or Graduate Research Assistant (GRA) positions. These roles involve either teaching or conducting research under a professor’s supervision.
• Be ready for some costs: Despite tuition being covered, you may still need to cover some school fees, student insurance, and other miscellaneous expenditures.
• Don’t consider unfunded programs: Many graduate programs do not fund students, but experts advise against attending these schools. The availability of funding indicates the health of the department in terms of research money and growth.
• Work on your application: The application process generally starts around September to December. Standardized tests such as GRE and TOEFL/IELTS are required, along with transcripts, recommendation letters, and a statement of purpose.
• Avoid programs that require you to pay: It’s a common sentiment among experts that if you’re paying to be a PhD student, there might be something wrong with the program.
• Apply for fellowships: There are graduate fellowships available for international students that cover tuition and offer a monthly stipend.

Fully funded online PhD programs in the US

Here are some examples of PhD programs in the states that are free and fully funded:

• Applicants to the Ph.D. in English program at UCLA are automatically considered for various funding options. A six-year funding package includes “a minimum of two years of full fellowship, four years of summer stipend support, and up to four years of teaching assistantships.” Beyond tuition, fees and health insurance are also covered.

Connecticut

• At Yale University, the School of Nursing offers full funding to its Ph.D. students. They receive a monthly stipend for four years in addition to paid tuition and health care.

District of Columbia

• Georgetown University offers scholarships and assistantships that cover full tuition and include a stipend and health insurance for the first five years to students in its PhD program in computer science.
• Students enrolled in the economics Ph.D. program at Emory University typically receive full funding. The stipend provided to students is $36,376 per year for five years, starting in fall 2023, and the full tuition scholarship is worth $70,200 per year. Funding for admitted students also includes a $4,370 annual subsidy that covers 100% of a student’s cost of health insurance. First-year students have no stipend-related work requirements.
• The University of Chicago provides funding for up to eight years of study for its anthropology PhD students. This includes a full-tuition scholarship, health insurance, and a living stipend of $33,000 for the 2022-2023 academic year. Students are also eligible to apply for external fellowships.
• University of Notre Dame doctoral students are guaranteed five years of funding. Funding includes a full scholarship, including tuition and fees, plus a stipend and health insurance.
• The Tippie College of Business at the University of Iowa provides full funding to “virtually all admitted students.” This includes tuition and fees, a minimum nine-month stipend of about $20,000 with annual adjustments, and 90% coverage of comprehensive health insurance. Additional funding is also provided for research presentations at major conferences, summer fellowships, and paid time off for independent research.
• At the University of Maryland’s Harriet Tubman Department of Women, Gender and Sexuality Studies, Ph.D. students without a master’s degree usually have five years of guaranteed funding. Those with a master’s degree usually are funded four years, with awards stemming from a mix of departmental fellowships and graduate teaching assistantships.

Massachusetts

• The T.H. Chan School of Public Health at Harvard University offers a PhD in biological sciences in public health, providing expertise in disease prevention and treatment. This program includes tuition, a stipend, and health insurance for five years, assuming students maintain satisfactory academic progress. Current research involves diseases such as AIDS, cancer, diabetes, kidney disease, malaria, and tuberculosis.
• Students enrolled at the Sloan School of Management at MIT have the opportunity to study various fields, such as organization studies, accounting, and information technology. They receive a full-tuition scholarship, a monthly stipend of $4,267, medical insurance, new laptops at the start of their first and fourth years of study, and $4,500 over five years for conference travel expenses.
• Doctoral students studying English at Boston University receive a stipend plus full tuition, fees, and basic health insurance. This funding is guaranteed for at least five years, with two of those years typically free from teaching requirements. Funding can sometimes be extended up to seven years, but it’s not guaranteed. Students may also apply for various prizes, fellowships, and short-term research and travel grants.
• Doctoral students in engineering at the University of Michigan—Ann Arbor are guaranteed full funding, a monthly living stipend, and health insurance. The exact amount can vary and funding comes from a range of sources, including graduate student instructor positions and fellowships.
• Students admitted to the Ph.D. program to study psychology at the University of Minnesota—Twin Cities are guaranteed full funding for five years as long as they maintain satisfactory performance and degree progress. This funding includes full-time tuition, a nine-month stipend, and subsidized health insurance.
• PhD students in computer science or computer engineering at Washington University in St. Louis receive full tuition support, health insurance, a generous stipend for living expenses, and a new high-end Apple laptop computer. This support is guaranteed as long as students continue to make satisfactory progress towards their degree.
• Full-time NYU Steinhardt Ph.D. students are eligible for a funding package that includes an annual stipend – $32,000 for the 2022-2023 academic year – tuition coverage for required coursework and student health insurance for five years.
• All students admitted to the interdisciplinary management Ph.D. program at the Binghamton University—SUNY School of Management in New York receive a combination of a full-tuition scholarship and a teaching or research assistantship for each academic year, up to four years.
• Cornell University offers full funding to all students admitted to its PhD program in chemical engineering. This funding can come from a teaching assistantship, research assistantship, or fellowship, and full stipends are granted for nine months, with the likelihood of additional aid in the summer.
• Columbia University provides fully funded tuition and a $25,000 annual stipend for three years to students enrolled in its PhD program in clinical psychology. This stipend also carries into the student’s fourth year, during which they may be expected to serve as a graduate teaching or research assistant.

North Carolina

• Doctoral students at Duke University studying materials science and engineering generally receive full tuition, a stipend, and fee support for the first five years. Students also receive up to six years of health insurance if they are on the university’s student medical insurance plan.

Pennsylvania

• The University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Education provides full funding to Ph.D. students as part of a fellowship and research apprenticeship package. This funding includes a living stipend, health insurance and coverage of tuition and fees for up to four years if the student maintains full-time enrollment. Some students may also qualify for additional summer funding.
• Students admitted to Bryn Mawr College’s Ph.D. program in social work receive full tuition waivers and “substantial stipends” toward living expenses.

Rhode Island

• Brown University guarantees full financial support for five years to its PhD students in computer science. This includes tuition remission, a stipend, health services fees, and a subsidy for health insurance.
• Funding is guaranteed for all admitted doctoral students enrolled in the special education Ph.D. program at Vanderbilt University. This includes full tuition, a “competitive” monthly stipend, and health insurance for up to four years.
• Rice University offers full financial assistance to students admitted to the PhD program at the Jones Graduate School of Business. This includes a research or teaching assistantship, a tuition waiver, and a $40,000 annual stipend, contingent upon maintaining satisfactory academic progress and full-time student status.
• All students admitted to the University of Virginia’s Ph.D. in Nursing program are eligible for four years of scholarship funding to cover tuition, insurance, and fees, as well as annual stipends. To receive certain aid, students must work 10 hours per week as a graduate teaching assistant.

Washington D.C.

• American University offers doctoral students in its international relations program who do not have external funding a renewable four-year Dean’s Fellowship that is contingent on making satisfactory academic progress. The fellowship includes the cost of tuition, fees, and a stipend that must be earned via a part-time role as a teaching or research assistant.
• The University of Wisconsin—Madison guarantees full funding for the duration of the time doctoral students are expected to be on campus. This funding may come from financial aid, fellowships, assistantships, and/or traineeships. In addition, doctoral students receive a benefits package that includes health insurance.

Wrapping up

This comprehensive article delves into everything you need to know about free PhD programs, also known as fully funded PhD programs, including the essential details, benefits, and potential challenges that students may encounter.

The term “free PhD” generally refers to a fully funded program that covers tuition fees and provides a stipend for living expenses, allowing students to complete their PhD studies without financial burden.

It is crucial to understand why you should never enter a PhD program without proper funding. Hence, pursuing a free or fully funded PhD should be a priority for all PhD students, regardless of nationality or field of study.

These programs may be offered both online and on-campus by various top universities around the world.

Fully funded PhD programs cater to both international and local students, including those pursuing a traditional PhD, online doctorate, or an accelerated executive doctorate of education.

For instance, fully funded online PhD programs in fields like business administration, education policy, and social work in clinical practice are available for students who hold master’s or bachelor’s degrees.

The duration of these programs may range from 1 year for fast-track or shortest doctoral programs to several years for other disciplines. Moreover, many programs focus on specialization in subjects like higher education policy, laboratory research, and much more.

One of the perks of these programs is that many institutions provide a stipend to cover living expenses during the course of study, ensuring that students can focus entirely on their research without worrying about financial constraints.

Dr Andrew Stapleton has a Masters and PhD in Chemistry from the UK and Australia. He has many years of research experience and has worked as a Postdoctoral Fellow and Associate at a number of Universities. Although having secured funding for his own research, he left academia to help others with his YouTube channel all about the inner workings of academia and how to make it work for you.

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Bonnie Ruberg , BCNM graduate, has co-authored a "Guide to Getting a Game Studies PhD." The guide, posted on her website - Our Glass Lake- hopes to help aspiring scholars navigate Game Studies -- and even gives BCNM a shout out!

Bonnie is a Provost’s Postdoctoral Scholar at the University of Southern California, where she works in the Interactive Media and Games Division (IMGD) where she works on issues of gender and sexuality in digital cultures. She received her PhD in Comparative Literature, New Media, and Gender, Women, and Sexuality from UC Berkeley in the summer of 2015. Bonnie got her start in digital cultures more than a decade ago writing the groundbreaking blog Heroine Sheik!

As you might have guessed, Game Studies is not a traditional field and and can be slightly tricky. To quote Bonnie, herself, "At present, there are no Ph.D. programs in North America that grant degrees (or even official secondary emphases) in video games." Encouraging yes? However, there are many ways to engage in Games Studies in the US, primarily by either (1) picking a Ph.D. program with game studies faculty, (2) picking a Ph.D. program that ties to a game design program, or (3) picking a Ph.D. program that supports interdisciplinary digital scholarship. A Designated Emphasis in New Media at UC Berkeley is an example of the last option.

Some excerpts from the post.

"Game studies is the scholarly field dedicated to exploring digital games, analog games, and play. Though some of the early texts that have become foundational for game studies come from the early- and mid-twentieth century, game studies as an academic field got started in the 1990’s. Over the past two decades, game studies scholars have produced a rich array of work that address questions like how to define games and why players play. In another sense though, game studies is still a relatively new discipline. Many scholars from other fields are surprised to hear that there is an entire corner of academia dedicated to games.

"Most recently, game studies has taken a turn away from its formalist roots and toward issues of culture and social justice. Some of the most vibrant areas of game studies today include scholarship on video games and LGBTQ issues, race, ability, identity, and diversity.

"There has never been a more exciting time to study video games, or to make a career out of researching games and their players. The medium of games is growing and changing, calling for new voices and a wider range of critical perspectives. Game studies is poised to become an increasingly important academic field. Many universities are hiring faculty in this area, and it seems this number will continue to grow. To thrive, game studies needs a vibrant next generation of scholars."

Read the guide here.

• Bio & Contact
• CV & Publications
• Recorded talks
• Community Resources

Getting a Game Studies PhD: A Guide for Aspiring Video Game Scholars

Originally written by Bo in the fall of 2016 , with feedback from Harrison Gish, Teddy Pozo, Whit Pow, Dietrick Squinkifer, and many more via social media. Last updated April 2019 . Suggestions for additions to this list are very welcome. See contact info at right of page.

Over the last few years, I have received messages from many aspiring game studies scholars: current undergraduate students, master’s students, or other folks who are excited about approaching video games academically and want to know how to get the training and the credentials to enter the field. What inspiring messages to receive!

The question I still hear often is, “Where can I go to get my Ph.D. in game studies?” Answering that question can be surprisingly tricky. Though game studies is a growing and arguably well-established field, at present, there aren’t Ph.D. programs in North America that grant degrees specifically dedicated to video games. But don’t despair. Below is information and recommendations for how to achieve the goal of getting a Ph.D. that will position you for a career in game studies.

Whether you yourself are an aspiring game studies scholar or an educator working with a student who is interested in pursuing game studies, I hope this handy guide will serve as a helpful starting point for your search…

What Is “Game Studies”?

Before you know which Ph.D. programs to apply to, you have to know whether game studies is right for you.

Game studies is the scholarly field dedicated to exploring digital games, analog games, and play. Though some of the early texts that have become foundational for game studies come from the early- and mid-twentieth century, game studies as an academic field got started in the 1990’s. Over the past two decades, game studies scholars have produced a rich array of work that addresses questions like how to define games, why players play, and what cultural meaning is communicated through games. In another sense though, game studies is still a relatively new discipline. Many scholars from other fields are surprised to hear that there is an entire corner of academia dedicated to games.

Most recently, game studies has taken a turn away from its formalist roots and toward issues of culture and social justice. Some of the most vibrant areas of game studies today include scholarship on video games and LGBTQ issues, race, ability, identity, and diversity. Tabletop gaming, esports, live streaming, and game histories are also growing areas of game studies research.

Many game studies scholars do also make games, and some of the most insightful game studies work has come out of collaborations between scholars and makers. However, for the purposes of this guide, “game studies” refers to the work of analyzing games rather than making them.

A note for the 2023 update: With that said, a growing number of grad school applicants are interested in pursuing what’s called “theory/practice” or “research creation” scholarship. This kind of scholarship combines creative and critical work. For example, a student doing theory/practice scholarship might both make and write about games. In my experience, many faculty mentors are excited about this work, but often programs and institutions themselves are not set up to support it, especially in the US. If you are interested in doing theory/practice work, I encourage you to speak directly with your potential faculty mentors and ask for a frank assessment of whether other students have successfully pursued related projects in their programs.

The Dilemma for Aspiring Game Studies Scholars

There has never been a more exciting time to study video games, or to make a career out of researching games and their players. The medium of games is growing and changing, calling for new voices and a wider range of critical perspectives. Game studies is poised to become an increasingly important academic field. Many universities are hiring faculty in this area. To thrive, game studies needs a vibrant next generation of scholars.

However, for those who aspire to become game studies professionals, figuring out which educational path to take can be difficult. Though it is becoming more and more common for universities to offer courses on video games, and though institutions like USC and NYU (among others) have excellent programs dedicated to games, currently the only available graduate degrees specifically dedicated to games focus on game making — that is, game design and development — not on the academic study of games. While there are doctoral programs that allow students to tailor their education toward games, there are no institutions yet that offer a dedicated, games-focused Ph.D.

At this point, maybe you’re wondering: should I even get a Ph.D.? Good question. It depends what kind of job you’re looking for. Entering a doctoral program is a big commitment (most take five to seven years), so being informed before deciding whether and where to apply is important. But let’s be frank. While you don’t need a Ph.D. to do video game analysis per se, a doctorate is considered a basic requirement for most research-focused faculty positions. For better or for worse, if you’re hoping to be a full-time, tenure-track university or college professor whose focus is games scholarship (rather than game design), getting a Ph.D. is still the expected path.

So, what do you do if you want to be a game studies scholar but you can’t get your Ph.D. in game studies?

OPTION 1: Pick a Ph.D. Program with Game Studies Faculty In It

One option is to apply to Ph.D. programs that are not specifically focused on games, but which have game studies scholars on their faculty. These should be faculty members whose work you’re familiar with (if you recognize the names but don’t know what their research is about, it’s time to do some reading) and whom you would be excited to learn from.

Some things to keep in mind: If the program you enter only has one or two games studies faculty, you’ll be working closely with these folks throughout your time in the program — so you want to make sure, as best you can, that they’re a good fit for you. If you’re seriously considering applying, I recommend sending enthusiastic but gracious (individual) emails to these potential mentors. That way you can learn more about how/if they see your interests fitting with the program. You’ll also already be on their radar when they sit down to review the pool of applications.

When you look at faculty rosters, remember that “visiting professors” and adjuncts, while they can be amazing educators, may only be working in the department for a short time. Also, think about the department you’d be applying to, not just the scholar you want to work with. Is it a media studies department, a communication department, a computer science department? The discipline in which you get your Ph.D. will significantly affect the kind of scholarship you get the chance to do and what sorts of academic jobs you qualify for.

Below is a list of Ph.D. programs in North America that have game studies scholars as members of their faculty. This list is always growing and changing. All suggestions for additional inclusions are very welcome (see contact info at right).

American University – Ph.D. in Communication Game studies faculty: Benjamin Stokes In conjunction with the American University Game Lab

Arizona State University – Ph.D. in Human and Social Dimensions of Science and Technology Game studies faculty: Alexandrina Agloro

Arizona State University – Ph.D. in Learning, Literacies, and Technology Game studies faculty: Betty Gee, Jim Gee

Carleton University – Ph.D. in Cultural Mediations Game studies faculty: Aubrey Anable

Concordia University – Individualized Program Ph.D. (INDI)

(Concordia’s INDI degree has also been included below in the section on interdisciplinary programs.) Game studies faculty: Mia Consalvo, Sandra Gabriele, Lynn Hughes, Rilla Khaled, Bart Simon

Florida State University – Ph.D. in Communication Game studies faculty: Arienne Ferchaud

Georgia Tech – Ph.D. in Digital Media Game studies faculty: Ian Bogost, Janet Murray

Indiana University – Ph.D. in Media Arts and Sciences Game studies faculty: Raiford Guins

NC State University – Ph.D. in Communication, Rhetoric, and Digital Media Game studies faculty: Grant Bollmer, Andrew Johnston, Adriana Souza e Silva, Nicholas Taylor

New York University – Ph.D. in Media, Culture, and Communication Game studies faculty: Laine Nooney

Old Dominion University – Ph.D. in English Game studies faculty: Kevin Moberly, Marc Ouellette

Ryerson University – Ph.D. in Communication and Culture (joint program with York University) Game studies faculty: Jason Boyd

Simon Frasier University – Ph.D. in Communication Game studies faculty: Milena Droumeva, Dal Yong Jin

Stanford University – Ph.D. in  Art and Art History  (specialization in Film & Media Studies),  Communication ,  Modern Thought & Literature , or Theater & Performance Studies Game studies faculty: Shane Denson, Henry Lowood

Syracuse University – Ph.D. in English Game studies faculty: Chris Hanson

Temple University – Ph.D. in Media and Communication Game studies faculty: Hector Postigo, Adrienne Shaw

University of Arizona – Ph.D. in Literature Game studies faculty: Ken McAllister

UC Davis – Ph.D. in Literature, Performance Studies, Sociology, etc. Note: game studies faculty are primarily associated with Cinema and Digital Media , which does not grant Ph.D.s. However doctoral students in the departments mentioned are currently engaged in or have recently completed games-related Ph.D. work. Game studies faculty: Stephanie Boluk, Gina Bloom, Joshua McCoy, Patrick LeMieux, Timothy Lenior, Colin Milburn

UC Irvine – Ph.D. in Informatics Game studies faculty: Mimi Ito, Bonnie Ruberg, Katie Salen, Kurt Squire, Constance Steinkuehler, Theresa Tanenbaum, Aaron Trammell

UC Irvine – Ph.D. in Visual Studies Game studies faculty: Peter Krapp, Braxton Soderman

UC Irvine – Ph.D. in Anthropology Game studies faculty: Tom Boellstorff

UCLA – Ph.D. in Cinema and Media Studies Game studies faculty: Stephen Mamber

UC Santa Barbara – Ph.D. in Film and Media Studies Game studies faculty: Alenda Chang

UC Santa Cruz – Ph.D. in Computational Media Game studies faculty: Nathan Altice, Katherine Isbister, Michael Mateas, Noah Wardrip-Fruin, Jim Whitehead

UC Santa Cruz – Ph.D. in Film and Digital Media Game studies faculty: Soraya Murray, Susana Ruiz (Faculty from UCSC’s Art & Design: Games + Playable Media Program also support game studies research: micha cárdenas, A. M. Darke, Robin Hunicke, Elizabeth Swensen)

University of Central Florida — Ph.D. in Texts and Technologies Game studies faculty: Emily K. Johnson, Eddie Lohmeyer, Eric Murnane, John Murray, Anastasia Salter, Mel Stanfill,

University of Chicago – Ph.D. in English Game studies faculty: Patrick Jagoda

University of Hawaii, Manoa – Ph.D. in Communication and Information Sciences Game studies faculty: Kelly Bergstrom, Jennifer Sunrise Winter

University of Michigan – Ph.D. in Screen Arts & Cultures or American Culture Game studies faculty: Sheila Murphy, Lisa Nakamura

University of Texas at Dallas – Ph.D. in Arts, Technology, and Emerging Communication Game studies faculty: Josef Nguyen and Ann Wu

University of Toronto – Ph.D. in Information Sciences Game studies faculty: Tero Karppi, David B. Nieborg, Sara Grimes

University of Washington – Ph.D. in Information Science Game studies faculty: Jinha Lee

University of Waterloo – Ph.D. in English Language and Literature (in conjunction with the Games Institute ) Game studies faculty: see Games Institute faculty page

University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee – Ph.D. in Media, Cinema, and Digital Studies Game studies faculty: Stuart Moulthrop

University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee – Ph.D. in Anthropology Game studies faculty: Thomas Malaby

York University – Ph.D. in  Digital Media  or   Education Game studies faculty: Sandra Danilovic, Yifat Shaik, Kurt Thumlert,

OPTION 2: Pick a Ph.D. Program with Ties to a Game Design Program

A second option is to get your Ph.D. through a program that, while not explicitly focused on games, allows you to take classes in an adjacent games-specific graduate program. Often these related programs grant MFAs, but they usually involve some game studies classes.

Before applying to these programs, be sure to inquire with the faculty you are interested in working with about whether it is possible to combine coursework from your home department with classes from these related games programs.

University of Southern California – Ph.D. in Media Arts + Practice Take courses in: Interactive Media and Games Division

University of Southern California – Ph.D. in Cinema and Media Studies Take courses in: Interactive Media and Games Division

New York University – Ph.D. in Media, Culture, and Communication (also listed under Option 1 above) Take courses in: NYU Game Center and Integrated Digital Media

UCLA – Ph.D. in Cinema and Media Studies Take courses in: Design Media Arts ( UCLA Gamelab )

OPTION 3: Pick a Ph.D. Program That Supports Interdisciplinary Digital Scholarship

The third option is to make your own way by picking a Ph.D. that supports interdisciplinary research and will allow you to tailor your education toward your interest in games. Ideally, this will be a program that has an explicit link to digital media, as this will give you access to scholars and colleagues similarly committed to related concerns around contemporary technology.

The upside to this option is that you get to be the architect of your own scholarly formation. Who do you want to be? You decide! The downside is that you will need to do the extra legwork to read widely outside your coursework and build a network of mentors from other institutions.

Brown University – Ph.D. in Modern Culture and Media

Concordia University – Individualized Program Ph.D. (INDI) (Concordia’s INDI degree has also been included above in the section on game studies faculty.) Game studies faculty: Mia Consalvo, Sandra Gabriele, Rilla Khaled

Rutgers University – Ph.D. in Communication, Information, and Library Studies

Simon Frasier University – Ph.D. in Interactive Arts & Technology

UC Berkeley – Ph.D. in any field with Designated Emphasis in New Media Berkeley Center for New Media

Whatever path you take toward your career in game studies, good luck! You bring an important new set of perspectives to video games, and the field is better for having you in it.

Comments are closed.

BO RUBERG, Ph.D.

Our glass lake.

• Title: "'Look, make Mother take you and me to Our Glass Lake tomorrow.' These were the textual words said to me by my twelve-year-old flame in a voluptuous whisper." - Lolita

Hidden gems: 3 free apps every PhD researcher should know about

Some mobile and web applications distract PhD students from their work. Others, however, can considerably enrich a PhD journey. The three mobile and/or web applications R Discovery , Owlstown and LastPass provide exceptional value to postgraduate students. Free of charge! While they are (not yet) included in standard lists of ‘best apps for researchers’, they are definitely worth knowing about.

Disclosure: This post has been sponsored by Cactus Communications, affiliated with R Discovery. I only recommend products or services that I truly believe can benefit my audience. As always, all opinions are my own.

Not your regular list of ‘best apps for researchers’

Key advantages, availability.

When you search online for the best apps for researchers, recommendations turn out to be very repetitive. This is true for mobile and web applications.

The recommended tools tend to be well known:

• We have all heard about Forest to stay focused.
• We all know that Grammarly helps us to avoid writing mistakes.
• We all use Dropbox, Google Drive, or iCloud to secure our work.
• We are all aware of Evernote or Notion to keep organised.

However, some apps may be lesser known than these standard recommendations. And they have a lot to offer: These are the ‘hidden gems’.

My selection of apps that every early career researcher should know about is based on three simple criteria:

• The app is not featured in the common ‘best apps’ list for researchers.
• I wish I had known about this app back in the days when I did my PhD.
• The app is entirely free, or the free version provides enough value on its own.

I present you my top 3. Let’s go!

#1 R Discovery to keep up with academic literature

The sheer amount of academic literature that exists can be overwhelming. Not only can you access hundreds and thousands of journal articles online, but every day new research is being published as well.  

How do you select suitable literature for your PhD? How do you find the most recent publications connected to your research? And how do you keep up with developments in your field?

If these worries sound familiar, R Discovery can help!

R Discovery uses cutting-edge technological innovations (AI, Machine Learning, NLP, and Deep Learning) to help you find, access, and understand academic literature.

In simple words: R Discovery is an app that uses technology to support your academic reading. As a researcher, you can create a profile with a personalised feed, which automatically provides you with relevant papers and the latest publications.

Additionally, after setting up your preferences, R Discovery sends you daily recommendations for the top research articles connected to your research interests. With one click, you can save, download, and even export the paper to Zotero (my favourite reference manager!) or Mendeley.

And while it almost sounds too good to be true, R Discovery also provides smart summaries and key highlights of publications. Based on this information, you can quickly decide whether reading a paper is worth your time.

R Discovery can be used via your web browser, as a mobile app, or both (since it automatically syncs all edits you make on either one). This makes the app convenient to use. For instance, you can start reading an article on your phone while commuting to work via public transport. When you arrive at the university, you can simply continue on your computer. 

R Discovery has access to more than 30,000 journals worldwide. As such, it is an incredibly comprehensive resource. It includes one of the largest open-access content collections, but you can also easily link your institutional credentials to access pay-walled articles.

Over one million researchers already make use of R Discovery . Nonetheless, I suspect that many PhD students are not aware of this app yet. This should definitely change. So spread the word!

• personalised literature recommendations
• smart summaries and key highlights
• easy link with institutional access to access paywalled journals
• customisable feed settings and (email) notifications  

R Discovery is available via the App Store and Google Play Store for the app , or as laptop and desktop version via your browser (they all sync!).

Completely free! Just download the app and get started.

#2 Owlstown to create a professional online presence

Having a personal academic website is extremely valuable. I can hear you all think: ‘ Me? Having a website? I am ‘just’ a PhD student… ’. However, having a stable online presence is particularly valuable for early career researchers, including postgraduate students.

Not all early career researchers have access to a university profile. Furthermore, they are more likely to take on temporary jobs, change universities or face temporary unemployment.

Academic and non-academic job markets are competitive. When applying for jobs, you don’t want to rely on a university profile in case someone googles your name. A personal academic website provides you with a stable online presence and can make you stand out from the crowd.  

Owlstown is a website builder, specifically designed for academics.

For PhD students, Owlstown is the easiest application to create a simple, well-designed, and professional online presence.

The keyword here is simple. You don’t need to have any website-building skills or coding abilities. All themes are automatically mobile-friendly, in contrast to many other website makers which require you to manually adjust all pages to be displayed correctly on smartphones.

Owlstown lets you choose between simple but nice layouts, and you can always customise the themes. There is also an Academic Website Gallery showcasing other academics’ websites for inspiration!

Furthermore, the website template makes it easy for you to link all your other professional profiles, including your Twitter account, ORCID ID or Google Scholar account. You can also easily embed pdf versions of your publications, images, videos etcetera. Whatever you feel like sharing.

Owlstown is such a straightforward app that you don’t have any excuse not to create your website. It takes a few minutes to set it up, and you have a way to share your research with the world.

• free domain and hosting
• suitable for absolute beginners (easy design and mobile-friendly themes)
• fast way to embed pdfs, videos, tweets, spreadsheets etc.
• easy to import publications

Owlstown is a web-based editor that you can download here. You can edit your website also from your mobile phone or tablet, as long as you have access to a web browser.

The basic version of Owlstown is free. You can level up with a pro version, which gives you access to your website analytics, such as page views, and makes it easier to collaborate with others on one website. However, as a PhD student looking to set up a simple academic website, the free version is all you need.

#3 LastPass to protect your data online

Online safety is always important. In your personal and professional life. However, as a PhD student working a lot online, you may be particularly vulnerable to hacking.

Of course, PhD students working with sensitive data will likely have to undergo ethics approval before they start their research. Ethics approvals typically include measures for safe data storage and protection.

Yet, the everyday vulnerabilities of PhD students having tens to hundreds of online accounts and login data are often forgotten. Just think of all the different profiles that you need to set up to submit manuscripts to different journals alone… 

LastPass is a password manager that stores encrypted passwords online.

LastPass does not target academics specifically but can be a lifesaver for PhD students with numerous online accounts who want to prevent being hacked. 

LastPass makes you create a master password, which is the only password you need to remember. With this password, you can log into your account.

In your LastPass account, you can save and organise hundreds of passwords and login data. LastPass tells you how safe a chosen password is, and how to improve it. The easiest way to get the most secure password is to auto-generate it though.

You can choose the option of having passwords pre-filled when you visit any website, so all you ever need is your master password.

Furthermore, LastPass informs you about unusual activities, or if your personal information is at risk. It is just such an easy way to be more secure online, while not having to remember so many different passwords or keep lists of passwords hidden under your mattress.

• strong auto-generated passwords
• user-friendly way to organise all your passwords and login accounts
• save and auto-fill passwords
• a password-less login for those who cannot remember any password

LastPass has a web interface , but you can also install web browser plugins or a smartphone app .

The free version includes unlimited passwords! The only downside is that you have to choose whether you want to install the application on your computer or your mobile phone. Personally, I am perfectly happy with the computer version. That said, if you want to have both, a premium subscription is 2.9€ and you receive an additional 1GB of encrypted file storage. Not a bad deal!

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Your Future in Games Research

The EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Intelligent Games and Game Intelligence (iGGi) is the world's largest PhD research programme focused on games research. Our mission is to unlock the full potential of games research to contribute to wellbeing, prosperity, and science by training the next generation of leading researchers, designers and developers in games.

Based at the University of York, Queen Mary, Goldsmiths, and Essex, iGGi students undertake a four year PhD in impact-oriented games research, working closely with more than 80 partner organisations in the games industry and society. iGGi students advance games with research, software, patents, algorithms, data analytic techniques and creative works  across a wide range of areas , from game AI and analytics to player experience and game design to games and play for health, education, or research.

Game Research that Matters

iGGi  embraces a diversity of research approaches and topics: from humanistic studies of how autobiographical games convey meaning or designerly work on using stage magic in game design to rigorous trials of games for mental health or creative play with machine learning and advancing AI techniques for real-time MOBA play. At the heart of iGGi's approach to research are two principles:

fostering dialogue between research and practice: we engage game creators, players, and other stakeholders throughout our research to ensure our work is inclusive, responsible, and makes a positive impact on the real needs of people and organisations

fostering dialogue between engineering and human sciences: we believe innovative and responsible game research happens in interdisciplinary work that brings together perspectives from engineering (AI, data science, game-making) and humanities and behavioural sciences (HCI, psychology, design, game studies)

While we welcome work across many themes, iGGi particularly focuses on two lines of work:

Intelligent Games: Unlocking the value of research for the entertainment games industry, creating new engaging gameplay agents as well as new data- and AI-assisted tools and methods for making games and studying players

Game Intelligence: Unlocking the value of games for wellbeing, learning, and science by advancing the design of applied or ‘serious’ games and gamification, the use of game data to understand the human condition, and our understanding of the positive and negative uses and effects of games.

Player Research

Applied Games

Design & Development

Accessibility

Creative Computing

Immersive Technology

A Unique Community and Network

PhD research is often solitary. Not so in iGGi : PhD students can collaborate with more than 70 other current PhD students and 60 leading academics all working on games. iGGi's past and present closely linked networks include  the  Digital Creativity Labs ,  XR Stories ,  WEAVR , and the  Arena Research Cluster  at the University of York, cutting-edge research and development centres for games, immersive storytelling, and esports, and the  Game AI Research Group  at QMUL, one of the largest research groups for technical games research world-wide. PhD students form a lasting cohort with everyone joining the programme in the same year, from joint training to working together in shared offices, and iGGi  runs regular local and remote events to connect students further across sites and cohorts.

Every year, students co-organise the iGGi  conference showcasing their research to academia and industry, and participate in the Global Game Jam. Students also travel to major industry and academic conferences like Develop, CoG, CHI, CHI Play, or FDG to network and disseminate their work. Finally, students co-organise research workshops on joint topics of interest with leading researchers and practitioners, and can conduct research visits with iGGi's  academic partners abroad.

Meet The Team

PG Researchers

Meet our iGGi PGRs

Supervisors/Staff

Meet our Supervisors and other Staff

Management Team

Meet our iGGi Management Team

Meet our iGGi Alumni

Engaging Industry and Society

To foster dialogue between research and practice, iGGi  draws on a network of more than 80 partner organisations, spanning industry bodies (UKIE, TIGA, BGI, IGDA), developer studios (e.g. Sony Interactive Entertainment, Bossa Studios, Square Enix, Ubisoft, Creative Assembly, Revolution Software), industry suppliers (e.g. deltaDNA, Spirit AI, Player Research), advocacy groups (e.g. Women in Games, AbleGamers, BAME in Games, SafeInOurWorld), research centres at other universities and organizations (e.g. Microsoft Research, Nokia Bell Labs, UC Santa Cruz, UC Irvine, GeorgiaTech, Utrecht University, Monash University, NC State University, University of Waterloo, Tampere University), and media organisations (e.g. Screen Yorkshire, BBC).

iGGi  students spend at least eight weeks working with one or more of our partners to understand the realities and challenges of applying research in practice, tackle real-world problems, and make a positive difference. Beyond the members of our partner network, iGGi  students have also worked with e.g. Splash Damage, Media Molecule, Google DeepMind, Prowler, Sue Ryder, BT, and many others, and iGGi  is always looking for new partners to join our network.

iGGi Partners

A Rigorous Training Programme

Over their four years of study, iGGi  students receive a full year's worth of training to prepare them to do excellent and impactful research. In their first year, students take four 'core' training modules:

Game Design: Students learn how to conceive, design, prototype and playtest their own games, be it for entertainment or a 'serious' purpose like health, education, or research.

Game Research & Data: Students learn various methods for empirically studying games and players, including standard HCI methods and data science techniques for gaining insights from big data sets.

Game Development & AI: Students learn how to develop game prototypes using standard industry game engines, explore novel interaction techniques and interfaces, and the state of AI applications in games, like AI opponents and collaborators, procedural content generation, or player modelling.

Impact & Engagement: Students learn how to engage industry, players, and other societal stakeholders early on in their research, how to conduct responsible research and innovation that is overall beneficial to human wellbeing, and how to present their work online, to the media, and industry.

These formal training modules are complemented by regular events and workshops, academic and industry knowledge exchange, and a wide range of optional modules depending on each students’ needs.

An Inclusive and Responsible Environment

iGGi  wants to be a positive agent of change for more inclusive, diverse, and responsible games and research communities. We especially welcome students from underserved communities, celebrate diversity in our events, and work with e.g. Women in Games and BAME in Games to reach out to students from diverse backgrounds. We work hard to increase the intellectual, ethnic, and gender diversity of our supervisor pool so students can find the right fit for them. We support flexible training and work arrangements to fit students’ family and health situations. We work with leading figures in responsible innovation and rigorous, open science media effects research to ensure our training and research critically engages with the potential positive and negative impacts of games and research innovations.

Please note that iGGi CDT is now closed for recruitment: the last iGGi intake is September 2023.

A Word from Peter Cowling, iGGi Director

General note.

Please note: iGGi  is funded via a grant from  UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) / Engineering and Physical Science Research Council (EPSRC) . This means that  studentships  awarded by iGGi  are subject to UKRI/EPSRC regulation as well as terms and conditons of the grant agreement. iGGi CDT is now closed for recruitment: the last iGGi intake is September 2023.

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Hi, my name is Gaz, welcome to my website. I've been developing free games and websites since 2006. My previous site, TheGameHomepage.com, was visited by 65 million people. I've also developed over a hundred web games and they've been played somewhere around a billion times! I picked up some cool awards along the way including a Guinness World Record and a BAFTA Special Commendation. What started as a hobby has turned in to my passion and over the past fourteen years I've learned a lot about web games. I've used this experience along with some new ideas to make this website, FreeGames.org, my fresh take on a free game website. With this project there are a number of things that I set out to achieve:

1. Genuinely Free 😄

2. online 🌐.

Apps have been the most popular way to play casual games for a while now. I think there are some compelling reasons to give online games another shot though. For instance it can be tiresome installing and deleting many apps to find the game you want. It can be a drag waiting for them to install when you just want to quickly play something new. They can fill up your device. They can only be played on one type of device (iPhone, Android etc.). Online Games solve all of these problems. I'm not saying that online games should replace apps - I think there are great reasons for both and they can happily exist alongside each other 🧡

3. On any Device 📱

I wanted to create a consistent experience across all devices. Often web games will only work on computers and if you visit on a mobile device they don't play. Other times if you visit the website on desktop then mobile you are presented with completely different games. I wanted to make a consistent experience on any device so if you play a fun game on your computer in the afternoon you can come back later on your phone to play it in bed. Or you want to show a friend you can pull it up on their tablet. All of the games on the homepage of this site are compatible on any device.

4. Scale to your Screen Size 👀

It is frustrating when you are trying to play a game but its size is completely different to your screen. All the games on FreeGames.org scale to fit any size screen so you can enjoy them on any device.

5. Fast Loading ⚡

I want players to be able to click (or tap) and play instantly. That's why I've used the latest cloud hosting technology to serve it all over the world from a location near you. I've also worked hard with site optimizations to make everything work as fast as possible. This is another advantage of removing video adverts as it means you can start playing your chosen game much faster or try out many different games to find a good one without watching an advert each time.

6. User Feedback 💭

I continuously update this website with new games and improvements. Rather than guess or assume what you want I have a secret weapon - I ask! You will notice feedback buttons and often short surveys popping up around the site. If you have any thoughts, issues or ideas don't keep them to yourself - let me know. I read every piece of feedback submitted and use it all to help decide what changes and features to implement to both the website and games.

7. No Downloads 👍

All of our titles can be played instantly with no need to download. Why fill up your phone or laptop with downloaded games you aren't even sure you will like yet when you can play them like this?

8. Wholesome / Family Friendly 👪

This website is family friendly. The games here have been selected/developed with the aim to create a positive experience that is appropriate for all ages.

9. The Best Games 🏆

Last on my list and most important of all is great games. I develop and hunt down the most fun games for you to play.

Hopefully these features will mean that you have a good experience on FreeGames.org. If you have any comments please do feel free to get in contact with me. You can do so via my contact form or facebook page . Last of all I'll leave you with my project motto which I have stuck on the wall next to my computer:

"Create the best free games website for the players"

Thank you for reading my manifesto and for using FreeGames.org. Have fun!

❤️ Gaz Thomas (website creator)

Best free games 2024: 10 games you need to download now

If you buy through a BGR link, we may earn an affiliate commission, helping support our expert product labs.

Once upon a time, keeping up with the latest and greatest games was an incredibly expensive hobby. If you wanted to play the most anticipated video games , you’d be spending hundreds or even thousands of dollars to purchase them all. In 2024, your budget is not nearly as important, as many of the most popular games on the planet are free to play. To that point, we rounded up 10 of the best free games you can download right now.

Apex Legends

• Where to download : PS5 , Switch , Xbox , PC

If you’re looking for a fun party game to play with friends that doesn’t require hours of practice and lightning-fast reflexes, Fall Guys is your game. Take control of a bean-shaped character as up to 40 players compete against each other in a series of randomly selected games, including obstacle courses, survival matches, and team-based challenges. Along the way, you’ll acquire dozens of cosmetics to make your Fall Guy look unique.

For the past several years, Fortnite has been the undisputed king of free-to-play gaming. This battle royale shooter was big from the jump, but it has since become an unstoppable force, with more than 200 million players logging in monthly to check out the latest weapons, the updates to the map, the in-game concerts, and, of course, the skins. If you ever wanted to see Peter Griffin duke it out with Goku, Fortnite is the game for you.

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Genshin Impact

• Where to download : PS5/PS4 , PC , iOS , Android

In order to unlock new characters on the game’s rotating banners, you’ll need to spend an in-game currency called Primogems, which can be acquired by playing the game or by spending money. You can gather a sizable roster for free, but if you want all the latest characters as soon as they’re added, you might have to throw down a credit card. That said, there is a wild amount of content available free of charge that will keep you busy for months.

Guild Wars 2

• Where to download : PC

Players can choose from five races and nine professions when creating a character, and as they progress, they unlock new skills they can use to fight enemies. Rather than force players to grind for levels, the game revolves around its story-driven campaign and cooperative world events that require players to work together to complete missions and take down bosses. There are also two fully-featured competitive modes: a large-scale World vs. World mode, where three teams battle over objectives, and a PvP mode, where two small teams fight in an arena.

Marvel Snap

• Where to download : iOS , Android , PC

I’m a huge fan of collectible card games, but when I’m short on time, it’s hard to fit in a round of Magic the Gathering or Hearthstone . That’s why Second Dinner’s Marvel Snap has been my go-to card game ever since it launched in 2022. Your deck consists of 12 cards, each representing a different Marvel hero or villain. You’re constantly unlocking new cards for your collection, and the variety of decks you can build is almost overwhelming.

League of Legends

• Where to download : PC , Mac

Released in 2009, League of Legends is the oldest game on this list by quite a few years, but it’s as exciting today as it was fifteen years ago.

There are now nearly 170 playable champions in League of Legends , each with their own skills, strengths, and weaknesses. The learning curve is steep, but it’s a rewarding experience to learn how to play a champion effectively and help your team win.

Path of Exile

• Where to download : PS4 , Xbox , PC , Mac

If you’re looking for a top-down action RPG in the style of Diablo , your best bet is Path of Exile . Much like Blizzard’s legendary franchise, Path of Exile lets you choose between one of seven character classes — Marauder, Duelist, Ranger, Shadow, Witch, Templar, and Scion — and explore a hostile world full of enemies (who are full of loot for you to collect).

Rocket League

• Where to download : PS4 , Xbox , Switch , PC

Rocket League has a pretty simple premise: Teams of up to four drivers of rocket-powered cars try to score more goals than the other team before time runs out. The reason that the game has had such longevity and has gained so many fans is because of its sky-high skill ceiling. Rocket League isn’t too hard to pick up and play (unlike League of Legends , for instance), but watch a match of professionals in a tournament, and you’ll see what’s actually possible.

• Where to download : PS5/PS4 , Xbox , Switch , PC

Typically, the phrase jack of all trades is a backhanded compliment about someone doing many things but not doing any of them especially well. Warframe is a third-person shooter, an action RPG, an open-world adventure, and a cooperative multiplayer game. That might sound like too many spinning plates, but Warframe somehow nails all those genres.

Warframe is another game that’s fairly easy to pick up and play, but you can spend countless hours getting lost in its many systems and game modes.

This article talks about:

Jacob Siegal is Associate Editor at BGR, having joined the news team in 2013. He has over a decade of professional writing and editing experience, and helps to lead our technology and entertainment product launch and movie release coverage.

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Countless board games, books, and movies are buy 2, get 1 free at Target and Amazon

Deals on the illustrated edition of The Lord of the Rings, D&D sourcebooks, board games, and more

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Share All sharing options for: Countless board games, books, and movies are buy 2, get 1 free at Target and Amazon

Both Amazon and Target are hosting competing buy two, get one free sales right now. They include an impressive selection of board games, books, and movies. As for the rules, just add three eligible titles to your cart, and your least expensive cart item will be free. Just note that if you’re taking advantage of this sale at Target, you’ll need to enroll in their free Target Circle program before you check out.

There are many awesome items included in this sale, and if you’d like some assistance with figuring out which are the best deals, we’ve built some example buy two, get one free bundles of movies, books, and board games that we recommend. But of course, feel free to substitute items at your leisure.

Board game and tabletop deals at Amazon and Target

Both stores have a strong selection of board games during their respective buy two, get one free sales. If you’re really into board games, you can pick up Wingspan , Twilight Imperium Fourth Edition , and Cascadia together for $191.46, saving you roughly $32 off their regular combined price.

Prices taken at time of publishing.

• 1-5 players, age 10+

• Playtime: 40-70 minutes

• Similar Games: Wyrmspan

• $46 at Amazon
• $46 at Target
• $46 at Walmart

Twilight Imperium Fourth Edition

• 3-6 players, age 14+

• Playtime: 240-480 minutes

• Similar games: Eclipse: Second Dawn for the Galaxy , Empires of the Void II

• $132 at Amazon
• $132 at Target
• $165 at Asmodee

• 1-4 players, age 10+

• Playtime: 30-45 minutes

• Similar games: Calico

• $32 at Amazon
• $32 at Target

At Target, you can score a deal on two excellent tabletop systems. The essentials kit for Battletech , along with the Dungeons & Dragons Essentials Kit and the Player’s Handbook , are currently available for a combined price of $55.62 instead of their usual $71.58. Aside from Battletech Essentials , you can score these deals at Amazon, too.

Battletech Essentials

• $25 at Target

Dungeons & Dragons Essentials Kit

• $20 at Amazon
• $22 at Target

Dungeons & Dragons: Player’s Handbook

The essential rulebook for playing Dungeons & Dragons 5e. Includes rules and errata for players to create their own characters and features references for spells, equipment, and other items.

• $26 at Target (hardcover)
• $26 at Amazon (hardcover)

Book deals at Amazon and Target

Unfortunately, the core rulebooks for Dungeons & Dragons aren’t eligible for Amazon’s buy two, get one free deal, but you can still find plenty of supplemental sourcebooks and adventures on sale. If you’re looking for some new material for your next campaign, you can pick up Journeys Through the Radiant Citadel , Candlekeep Mysteries , and Fizban’s Treasury of Dragons for around $64 instead of their usual combined price of $85.

Candlekeep Mysteries

• $30 at D&D Beyond (digital)

Journeys Through the Radiant Citadel

• $24 at Amazon (hardcover)
• $27 at Target (hardcover)

Fizban’s Treasury of Dragons

• $30 at Amazon (hardcover)
• $34 at Target (hardcover)

If you’re looking to bless your shelves with an impressive collection of the works of J.R.R. Tolkien, you can currently pick up the illustrated versions of The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit along with a pocket-sized box set of all four books for just $89.43 at Target instead of the usual combined price of $116.12.

The Lord of the Rings Illustrated

• $39 at Target

The Hobbit Illustrated

• $39 at Amazon
• $43 at Target

The Hobbit And The Lord Of The Rings Deluxe Pocket Boxed Set

• $29 at Amazon
• $34 at Target

Movie deals at Amazon and Target

At Target, you can build a bundle with the 4K Blu-ray Steelbook for the 1995 anime classic Ghost in the Shell , along with 4K Blu-ray versions of Everything, Everywhere, All at Once , and Barbie for just $47.72, saving you $15.59 off their usual combined price. The latter two movies are available in Amazon’s promo, but sadly, only the live-action version of Ghost in the Shell is looped in there.

Ghost in the Shell

• $16 at Target

Barbie (4K Blu-ray + Digital)

• $14 at Amazon
• $27 at Best Buy
• $23 at Target

Everything Everywhere All At Once

• $10 at Best Buy (4K Blu-ray)
• $6 at Amazon (Blu-ray)
• $20 at Target

At both Target and Amazon, you can get the Blu-ray Steelbooks for a pair of Studio Ghibli classics, The Wind Rises and My Neighbor Totoro along with a 4K Blu-ray copy of Oppenheimer for just $45.60 instead of their usual combined price of $60.77.

The Wind Rises Steelbook

• $19 at Amazon

My Neighbor Totoro (steelbook, Blu-ray)

• $16 at Amazon

Oppenheimer (4K Blu-ray)

• $20 at Gruv
• $20 at Walmart

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Final Four live streams: How to watch 2024 NCAA Tournament championship game for free without cable

The stage is set for the NCAA Tournament men's national championship after the women's wrapped up their tournament on Sunday, with South Carolina prevailing .

No. 1 overall seed UConn (36-3) will take on fellow 1 seed Purdue (34-4) with a chance to become the first team since the 2006-07 Florida Gators , led by coach Billy Donovan, to repeat as national champions. The Huskies are coming off an 86-72 Final Four victory over Alabama on Saturday, while the Boilermakers took down tournament darling 11 seed NC State 63-50.

MORE: Watch the Final Four of the 2024 NCAA Tournament on Sling TV

Purdue big man Zach Edey and UConn post player Donovan Clingan provide the star power for the much-anticipated matchup. Edey passed David Robinson for the most consecutive 20-point, 10-rebound performances in the NCAA Tournament, while Clingan's defensive presence limited what the explosive Crimson Tide offense could score inside.

This will mark just the fourth-ever head-to-head game between the Huskies and Boilermakers. UConn defeated Purdue 72-60 in the 2009 Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament. Here are some different ways to stream the game for free online or through various streaming services:

FOLLOW THE MADNESS: NCAA basketball bracket, scores, schedules, teams and more.

How to watch the 2024 NCAA Tournament championship for free without cable

Anyone with a cable subscription can watch the NCAA Tournament national championship game "for free" without the need to pay for a streaming service. Another option is the NCAA March Madness Live app, which will show the championship game for free.

How to watch, stream 2024 NCAA Tournament championship live

• Streaming:  NCAA March Madness Live app | Sling TV

The game will be broadcast on TBS, with Ian Eagle (play-by-play), Bill Raftery (analyst), Grant Hill (analyst), and Tracy Wolfson (sideline reporter) on the call. Some paid streaming options for the national championship game include

• Hulu + Live TV
• DirecTV stream

REQUIRED READING: Arizona Wildcats 1997 players forever connected by March Madness' hardest title run

What time is the March Madness championship game?

• Date:  Monday, April 8
• Time : 6:20 p.m. PT
• Location : State Farm Stadium (Glendale, Ariz.)

The 2024 national championship game will tip off at 6:20 p.m. PT on TBS at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. This marks the second time the Final Four site has been in Glendale, with the last coming in 2017 when North Carolina defeated Gonzaga.

A fans' guide to A-Day: Why you should go to Alabama's spring football game

A new era will begin Saturday at the University of Alabama's spring football game as the Crimson Tide coaching torch is officially passed from Nick Saban to Kalen DeBoer.

More: Tapping on the Mound: University of Alabama honors outstanding students and faculty

Admission to the A-Day game is free. Bryant-Denny Stadium's gates will open at noon and kickoff is set for 3 p.m. The weather forecast calls for mostly sunny skies and a temperature in the low 80s during the game.

Here's what fans need to know:

It's Kalen DeBoer's debut

The A-Day game will mark the first opportunity for Crimson Tide fans to see DeBoer in action as Alabama's head football coach. 

UA hired the 49-year-old DeBoer on Jan. 12 as the school's 28th football coach, following Nick Saban's retirement. DeBoer comes to Tuscaloosa after leading the Washington Huskies for two seasons. DeBoer led Washington to last season's national championship game, where the Huskies lost to the Michigan Wolverines. 

DeBoer has a record of 104 wins and 12 losses in his nine seasons as a head coach. His also resume includes two seasons as head coach at Fresno State and five seasons at his alma mater, the University of Sioux Falls. At USF, he led the Cougars to three NAIA national titles.

Nick Saban will be at A-Day

At 1 p.m., Saban is scheduled to address fans along with 2023 team captains Malachi Moore and Jalen Milroe at the Walk of Fame ceremony at Denny Chimes on the Quad. 

Moore and Milroe will place their hand and cleat prints in concrete in a tradition for UA football captains that dates back to the 1940s. The concrete slabs are on permanent display around Denny Chimes. 

Saban guided Alabama to an SEC championship and a berth in the College Football Playoff in 2023. He retired Jan. 10 after 17 seasons at UA, where he earned six national championships and nine SEC titles.

Football fans can still expect to see plenty of Saban this fall. In February, ESPN announced that the 72-year-old Saban will join Rece Davis, Kirk Herbstreit, Pat McAfee, Lee Corso and Desmond Howard on the network's "College GameDay" desk each Saturday.

Why A-Day is a big deal at Alabama

Saban's tenure was marked by huge crowds at the spring football game. In 2007, Crimson Tide fans nearly filled the stadium for Saban's first A-Day game.

Saban credited that UA fan response for setting the tone for his program's subsequent success.

".. I've never had a more gratifying experience than when I walked in the stadium 17 years ago for the spring game, the A-Day game, and there were 95,000 people in the stands," Saban said during his radio show in October 2023. "That still gives me cold chills to this day to know that there were that many people who were so committed to wanting to see the University of Alabama have a quality program and something they can be proud of."

Last year's A-Day game drew 58,000 fans to Bryant-Denny Stadium.

What's there to do before the A-Day game?

Champions Lane, adjacent to the Tuska statue , opens at 11 a.m. The area will include live music, food trucks, a display of Alabama trophies, UA athlete autograph signings and more.

The Walk of Fame ceremony featuring Saban and the 2023 team captains is set for 1 p.m. at Denny Chimes. At 1:50 p.m., fans can gather at the Walk of Champions to welcome the 2024 team as the squad arrives for the A-Day Game. 

Inside the stadium, an alumni flag football game will begin at 12:30 p.m.

Other UA athletic events during the A-Day weekend include:

• The men's tennis team against Ole Miss at 4 p.m. Friday and against Texas A&M at 1 p.m. Sunday at the tennis facility
• Baseball vs. Texas A&M at 6 p.m. Friday, 5 p.m. Saturday and 1 p.m. Sunday at Sewell-Thomas Stadium
• Softball vs. Texas A&M at 11:30 a.m. Saturday and 3:30 p.m. Sunday at Rhoads Stadium.

More information on these games is available at  www.rolltide.com .

The Paul W. Bryant Museum, 300 Paul W. Bryant Drive, will be open on game day, featuring memorabilia and exhibits from all eras of Alabama football from Wallace Wade to Nick Saban. Admission is $5 for adults and $3 for children. 

On Friday, the museum will host the Bama Standard podcast from 6-8 p.m. From 10-11 a.m. Saturday, the museum will host an autograph signing session featuring players from the Saban era. The autograph session costs $200, which includes autographs from all 11 players scheduled to attend: Terrion Arnold. Terrence Cody, Andre Smith, Blake Sims, Trent Richardson, Christion Jones, Darius Hanks, Marquis Maze, Landon Dickerson, Bo Scarbrough and Will Reichard.

For more information, go to  https://bryantmuseum.com or call 205-348-4668. 

Reach Ken Roberts at [email protected].

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2024 NCAA basketball championship game: UConn vs. Purdue matchup set as March Madness concludes

Previewing monday night's showdown between the huskies and boilermakers for the national championship.

The national championship game which will conclude the the 2024 NCAA Tournament has been finalized after No. 1 seed Purdue knocked off No. 11 NC State in wire-to-wire fashion and No. 1 overall seed UConn eliminated No. 4 seed Alabama in the Final Four games on Saturday. The reigning champion Huskies have opened as a 6-point favorite in the game which will take place Monday night at 9:20 p.m. ET on TBS. 

How the Boilermakers got here : After falling to No. 16 seed Fairleigh Dickinson in last year's NCAA Tournament, Purdue has an opportunity to write a similar redemption script as Virginia in 2019. The Boilermakers defeated No. 16 seed Grambling in the first round, No. 8 seed Utah State in the second round, No. 5 seed Gonzaga in the Sweet 16 and No. 2 seed Tennessee in the Elite Eight. In the first national semifinal on Saturday, Purdue superstar big man Zach Edey powered his team to victory with a late surge in the second half as the Boilermakers led by as many as 20 points in the closing minutes of the win over NC State.

How the Huskies got here : The reigning national champions are not only winning in the NCAA Tournament but doing so in a commanding fashion. UConn opened the NCAA Tournament with a 91-52 win over No. 16 Stetson and defeated No. 9 seed Northwestern 75-58 to advance to the second weekend. In the Sweet 16, a title game rematch from last season, the Huskies knocked off No. 5 seed San Diego State 82-52 and then steamrolled No. 3 Illinois 77-52 in the Elite Eight. No. 4 seed Alabama offered the toughest to this point, but UConn pulled away down the stretch for the 86-72 win.

How UConn and Purdue match up : This game will come down the showdown in the paint. On one side, you have the unstoppable force (Edey) who just became the first player in at least 50 years to reach six consecutive NCAA Tournament games with at least 20 points and 10 rebounds. On the other side, you have the immovable object (UConn center Donovan Clingan ) who is moving up draft boards thanks to his March Madness performance. Clingan will be the best defensive-minded big man Edey has faced all season. Edey had five turnovers against NC State, and most of those came when the Wolfpack collapsed on him inside. While UConn could install a similar gameplan, Clingan is more than capable of guarding him one-on-one. Purdue is one of the top 3-point shooting teams in the country, and they may have to rely on that more and more if Clingan neutralizes Edey.

What's at stake : Purdue is seeking its first national championship in program history. UConn is looking to become the first team to win back-to-back championships in men's basketball since Florida in 2006-07. The Huskies could tie North Carolina for the third-most championships all-time behind UCLA and Kentucky . UConn's Dan Hurley has already cemented himself as one of the best coaches in the sport, but a win on Monday would raise his profile even further. On the other side, Purdue coach Matt Painter came into this tournament as one of the best coaches never to have made a Final Four appearance. Now that Painter is out of that club, he can add a championship to his résumé and help his alma mater become the first Big Ten program to win a national title since Michigan State in 2000.

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