Dr Tom Brock
Senior Lecturer, MSc Digital Society
My name is Dr Tom Brock, and I am a Senior Lecturer in Sociology at Manchester Met. I am also Programme Leader of MSc Digital Society and teach on the postgraduate module ‘Principles and Debates in Social Research’. My expertise is in:
- digital games,
- esports and competitive gaming,
- digital sociology,
- digital play and labour,
- theoretical and philosophical perspectives on digital living and society,
- and digital methods.
My research has been featured in the press and online media, including Wired Magazine, BBC World News, BBC Radio 4, and The Conversation. I am also the author of a forthcoming textbook ‘Welcome to Social Theory’ (Sage, 2023), teaching complex and challenging theoretical ideas in an engaging and clear way.
My research has been featured in BBC World News and BBC Radio 4.
What is your research project?
I’m currently working on a research project called ‘Digital Games and Esports’, which focusses on studying the cultural, social, and economic dimensions of digital games and esports, including their history, practices and impact on society and individuals.
Why did you choose to research this?
The study of digital games and esports is crucial for understanding contemporary media culture and its impact on society. It offers insights into the ways in which digital media platforms shape our social lives, identities, and communities. Furthermore, the esports industry has grown rapidly in recent years, becoming a major player in the entertainment industry, with enormous economic, social, and cultural significance.
This area of research covers topics including media studies, digital culture, and communications.
How does your research inform postgraduate study at Manchester Met?
This area of research is highly relevant to PGT study, particularly in digital media-related programmed like MSc Digital Society, covering topics related to media studies, digital culture, and communication.
Can students get involved?
Students can get involved in research related to digital games and esports through various means, including internships, volunteering, and research assistant positions. They can also participate in esports events and tournaments, as well as online gaming communities and forums, travelling to international events and attending conferences on esports.
Many academic and industry partners are involved in this research, so students can take advantage of the connections on offer by attending conferences, networking events, and workshops. They can also participate in collaborative research projects and internships with academic and industry partners.
Students can take advantage of industry connections by attending conferences, networking events and workshops.
What other research opportunities are there in this field?
Digital games and esports are complex and evolving areas of study, with diverse and interdisciplinary research topics. As such, there is a wealth of research opportunities for students and scholars interested in this field, ranging from the analysis of gaming practices and communities to the exploration of the esports industry’s economic and cultural dimensions.