Is It All Fun and Games?

All Activities and Discussions will occure in-person on the day.

5:00-5:30pm Preamble to allow attendees to meet and greet with icebreaker activities.

5;30-5:45pm Discussion with Ryan Merrick regarding gaming as a form of stress relief and developing a good work-life balance.

5:45-6:15 Activity - Prototype Board Game.

6:15-6:30 Discussion with Matthew Stephen Merritt about gaming as a social tool. (Plus case study)

6:30-7:00 Activity - Gaming Motivation Profiles.

7:00-7:15 Discussion with Matthew Stephen Merritt about soft-skill development through gaming.

7:15-7:45 Activity - Gaming Carousel - Genre Variety.

7:45-8:00 Discussion with Ryan Merrick on main takeaways and conclusions .

Join Ryan Alex Merrick and Matthew Stephen Merritt at Pixel Bar Manchester on the 28th of October 2025 for an evening of Talks, activities and open discussions revolving around Healthy and prosperous lives. 

As part of many events running within the Festival of Social Science; we will cover work life balance, soft skill development, stress relief and building working communities all through the phenomenon of gaming. 

Whether you’re leading or part of a team, this event gives you the chance to connect, reflect, and discover how gaming can transform the way you work and live.  

Matthew Stephen Merritt Esports and Marketing Lecturer - Univeristy of Salford

Ryan Merrick Enterprise and Sustainability Lecturer - University of Salford

There are no formal requirements however you may benefit more if you have not interfaced with gaming often and / or struggle with work-life balance.

People who have little to no interest in gaming.

If you are interested, Please contact Ryan and Matthew via email on R.A.Merrick@salford.ac.uk and M.S.Merritt@salford.ac.uk

28th October 2025