Pervasive games play with the virtual and the real, the imaginary and the physical, mixing and hybridising experienced realities. In many ways, such as symbolism and process, they operate in the same manner as pre-industrial rituals. It seems that artists and designers working with urban and pervasive gaming have been, largely unconsciously, aligning their work with ritual practices. Dan will talk about the similarities and differences between rituals and pervasive games, highlighting what this means for the design of these as well discuss what possibilities this raises for them to critically engage in social issues.


Dan Dixon is a Senior Lecturer in Creative Technologies at the University of the West of England where he runs their degree course in Web Design. His research revolves around the way people interact with technology and specifically the space where digital gaming and the real world mix. Currently he is working on a PhD, entitled Playing with Reality, which examines the cultural and aesthetic aspects of the nearly indefinable field of Pervasive Gaming. He is also involved in projects on gamification, location based gaming and mixed-reality performance. Prior to moving to academia he worked in the web industry and had roles as a social software consultant, product manager for the BBC and production director for new media agency Syzygy.

This Lunchtime Talk is part of Open Studio Friday, which takes place at the Studio every week.

Do you want to find out what is going on at the Pervasive Media Studio? Are you interested in meeting our residents, talking about a specific project or curious about pervasive media? Why not pack a sandwich and join us for one of our Lunchtime Talks and Open Studio Friday.

Lunchtime Talks are informal presentations by Studio residents and associates. They normally take place at 1pm on Friday, are free and open to everybody who’s interested in what we do.

After the Talk, we also invite you to stay with us for the afternoon to continue the conversation or work on your own projects. We provide chairs, tables, wireless and a great space. You bring what you need to work with (laptop/mobile). Our open afternoons close at 5pm.

Let us know if you’d like a tour of the new space and we'll be happy to show you around! Send an email to admin@pmstudio.co.uk