This talk by Dr John Wills (University of Kent) will reflect on what exactly computer and video games say about our collective future, as well as pondering the appeal of ‘playing’ through our own digital dystopias. Over the past half century, computer and video games have taken us to all manner of imaginary realms. Alongside the colourful kingdoms of Mario and Pokemon, games have frequently explored dark and dystopian places. From alien attacks in Space Invaders (1978) and Berzerk (1980) through to the collapse of civilisation in modern Far Cry, Fallout and Fortnite franchises, video games have depicted a wide range of nightmarish futures.

This talk takes place at the Four Quarters bar, where you can enjoy playing a combination of classic arcade and console games.