Matthew Stephenson

Dr. Matthew Stephenson is a Lecturer with the College of Science and Engineering, where he specialises in Game AI.

His research interests centre predominantly around the use of Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning and Data Science techniques applied to games. This includes research that uses such techniques to play, create and analyse games; but also how we can utilise games as a testbed for developing solutions to real-world problems. His current research focus is on data-driven approaches for both procedural content generation and general game playing.

He previously worked for the Digital Ludeme Project in Europe, which aims to improve our understanding of traditional games using modern AI techniques. This project can be summarised as a computational study of different games throughout recorded history, hoping to chart their historical evolution and explore their role in the development of human culture.

His PhD focussed on implementing various AI techniques for physics-based video games and simulations. This involved developing intelligent agents that can reason and interact within a physical environment, as well as generating content that satisfies the physical limitations of such environments.