The Critical Game Studies Lab (CGSL)

The Critical Game Studies Lab (CGSL) is a new colloborative initiative between the English Department and Center for Spatial and Textual Analysis (CESTA). Founded by Austin Anderson and Mark Algee-Hewitt in Spring 2026, the CGSL brings game studies into Stanford’s existing digital humanities infrastructure by combining computational methods with humanistic inquiry to analyze games as both formal systems and cultural texts. Sitting at the heart of Silicon Valley, Stanford has always been enmeshed in the history of video games; for example, Galaxy Game, the first publicly available coin-operated video game, was installed at Stanford’s Tresidder Union Coffee House in September 1971. The game lab leverages Stanford’s unique position and substantive video game archives (the Stephen M. Cabrinety Collection, David Wolinsky Papers, and the Silicon Valley Archives) to encourage the study of games. The CGSL operates through three interconnected pillars: rigorous scholarly research on games as cultural projects and texts; sustained dialogue with game industry professionals about inclusive and justice-oriented design practices; and robust public engagement through workshops and programming that introduce community members to game studies. The Critical Game Studies Lab serves as a collaborative space where faculty, graduate students, undergraduates, game designers, and community members engage in the critical study and practice of games. 

Lab Members

Director: 

Austin Anderson

Founders: 

Austin Anderson and Mark Algee-Hewitt

Current Lab Members: 

Alexia Mandla Ainsworth

Mallen Clifton 

Luca Messarra

Curtis Kai-tao Sun

Shuyi Wei

Mayshu (Meixu) Zhan

Affiliate Researchers

Edmond Y. Chang, Associate Professor of English, Ohio University  

DA Hall, Assistant Director of the Critical Game Studies Program, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill