All Outputs (20)

Reframing nature through video games (2019)
Presentation / Conference
Ali, U. (2019, April). Reframing nature through video games. Presented at Frames of Representation symposium, London

The presentation examines the relationship between video games as an emerging technology and nature; specifically, video game design practices in the reframing of ‘nature’ and the natural world. The work examines what these virtual natural environm... Read More about Reframing nature through video games.

Red Dead Redemption 2 : Virtual ecology is making game worlds eerily like our own (2018)
Journal Article
Ali, U. (2018). Red Dead Redemption 2 : Virtual ecology is making game worlds eerily like our own

This article was first published in online news site The Conversation on 27th November 2018.

Virtual ecosystems & video games (2018)
Presentation / Conference
Ali, U. (2018, November). Virtual ecosystems & video games. Presented at CIEEM Autumn Conference 2018 - Advances in Ecological Restoration and Habitat Creation, Glasgow, UK

Virtual landscapes : a practice-based exploration of natural environment design (2018)
Presentation / Conference
Ali, U. (2018, August). Virtual landscapes : a practice-based exploration of natural environment design. Presented at RGS-IBG Annual International Conference 2018, Cardiff, Wales

This paper presents a theoretical and practical framework for virtual natural environment (VNE) design in computer and video games. By applying a practice-based research methodology, and a methodological ‘bricolage’, combining reflective practice, pa... Read More about Virtual landscapes : a practice-based exploration of natural environment design.

Landscape & games (2018)
Presentation / Conference
Ali, U. (2018, June). Landscape & games. Presented at Introduction to Gaming for Landscape and Software Workshop, Manchester, England

Computer and video gaming technologies, including virtual and augmented realities, have become far more accessible in recent years and their range of applications has widened dramatically. The relevance and potential of interactive and immersive thre... Read More about Landscape & games.

An Architectural Approach To Level Design (2018)
Journal Article
Ali, U. (2018). An Architectural Approach To Level Design. ˜The œcomputer games journal, 7(1), 39-41. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40869-017-0050-7

This paper review’s Christopher Totten’s 2014 book, An Architectural Approach to Level Design. Totten’s work arguably represents the most advanced and up to date discussion in applying traditional architecture principles to level design. The work in... Read More about An Architectural Approach To Level Design.

Virtual Landscapes Exhibition (2017)
Exhibition / Performance
Ali, U. Virtual Landscapes Exhibition. 19 October 2017 - 29 October 2017. (Unpublished)

From the giant mushroom forests of Morrowind, the Archipelago islands of Zelda: Wind Waker, to the tropical underground caves of Phantasy Star Online, Virtual landscapes have enthralled, captured and engaged player imaginations for over 30 years.... Read More about Virtual Landscapes Exhibition.

Virtual landscapes : a practice-based exploration of natural environment design (2017)
Presentation / Conference
Ali, U. (2017, May). Virtual landscapes : a practice-based exploration of natural environment design. Presented at DiGRA UK 2017 Conference & Meeting, Manchester, England

This paper presents a theoretical framework as well as a practical guide for a new design framework for virtual natural environment (VNE) design in computer and video games. By applying a practice-based research methodology areas of strong/weak pract... Read More about Virtual landscapes : a practice-based exploration of natural environment design.

An architectural approach to level design (2014)
Book Chapter
Ali, U., & Totten, C. (2014). An architectural approach to level design. In An Architectural Approach to Level Design. New York: A K Peters/CRC Press

Written by a game developer and professor trained in architecture, An Architectural Approach to Level Design is one of the first books to integrate architectural and spatial design theory with the field of level design. It explores the principles of... Read More about An architectural approach to level design.

Ruskin, geology and mountains : the future of game design (2013)
Presentation / Conference
Ali, U. (2013, June). Ruskin, geology and mountains : the future of game design. Presented at Research, Innovation and Enterprise Exchange, Manchester, England

Dr Umran Ali of the School of Arts and Media at the University of Salford presented a PechaKucha-style session at the Research, Innovation and Enterprise Exchange on 28 March 2013

Virtual Landscapes : The Modern Era (2000-2012) (2012)
Book
Ali, U. (2012). Virtual Landscapes : The Modern Era (2000-2012). United Kingdom: Zayn Creative

The magical essence of natural landscapes since the dawn of man have been a source of intrigue, wonder and inspiration in art, philosophy and literature. With each new era in civilisation, new methods of creative expression have been used by artists... Read More about Virtual Landscapes : The Modern Era (2000-2012).

Virtual landscapes : the transition era (1990-1999) (2012)
Book
Ali, U. (2012). Virtual landscapes : the transition era (1990-1999). United Kingdom: Zayn Creative

The magical essence of natural landscapes since the dawn of man have been a source of intrigue, wonder and inspiration in art, philosophy and literature. With each new era in civilisation, new methods of creative expression have been used by artists,... Read More about Virtual landscapes : the transition era (1990-1999).

Virtual landscapes : the embryonic era (2012)
Book
Ali, U. (2012). Virtual landscapes : the embryonic era. United Kingdom: Zayn Creative

The magical essence of natural landscapes since the dawn of man have been a source of intrigue, wonder and inspiration in art, philosophy and literature. With each new era in civilisation, new methods of creative expression have been used by artists... Read More about Virtual landscapes : the embryonic era.

PlastiCity (Lightwave project, Bradford) (2006)
Other
Fuchs, M., Manthrop, S., & Ali, U. (2006). PlastiCity (Lightwave project, Bradford). [Conference brochure]

Could computer games help us save the planet?
Digital Artefact
Ali, U. Could computer games help us save the planet?

EPISODE SUMMARY The computer games industry is now estimated to be worth over $100 billion. But could this ultimate disruptive industry help us save the planet? In this episode, I speak to Dr Umran Ali a computer games professor and self-confesse... Read More about Could computer games help us save the planet?.

Virtual Amazon RainForest
Physical Artefact
Ali, U. (2019). Virtual Amazon RainForest. [Online]

Dr Umran Ali’s fully immersive virtual rainforest is modelled on the real Amazon rainforest. It is complete with a gentle breeze blowing through the tree’s and ferns. Gnats and insects inhabit the forest floor and the whole forest is visualised movi... Read More about Virtual Amazon RainForest.

Gamification of landscape architecture
Presentation / Conference
Ali, U. Gamification of landscape architecture. Presented at Landscape Institute CPD Digital Skills Day

A Practice-Based Exploration of Natural Environment Design in Computer & Video Games : Volume 2
Thesis
Ali, U. A Practice-Based Exploration of Natural Environment Design in Computer & Video Games : Volume 2. (Thesis). University of Salford

I offer this thesis as an original and substantial contribution to knowledge in virtual natural environment design practice within computer and video games, by identifying areas of strong/weak practice and to develop a new design framework that utili... Read More about A Practice-Based Exploration of Natural Environment Design in Computer & Video Games : Volume 2.

A practice-based exploration of natural environment design in computer & video games : volume 1
Thesis
Ali, U. A practice-based exploration of natural environment design in computer & video games : volume 1. (Thesis). University of Salford

I offer this thesis as an original and substantial contribution to knowledge in virtual natural environment design practice within computer and video games, by identifying areas of strong/weak practice and to develop a new design framework that utili... Read More about A practice-based exploration of natural environment design in computer & video games : volume 1.

ITEM project : Virtually Facticious
Other
Fuchs, M., Hott, W., & Ali, U. ITEM project : Virtually Facticious

The project will research different concepts of 'memory' and its representation in an interactive virtual environment. Over the course of the project the participants are engaging in research into a variety of subjects, such as artistic and commerci... Read More about ITEM project : Virtually Facticious.