Benjamin Stokes

Benjamin Stokes is an Associate Professor and Division Director in the Communication Studies division of American University's School of Communication. He directs the Playful City Lab and serves as a Fellow at the Metropolitan Policy Center, AU Game Center, and Humanities Truck. His work focuses on civic media, community engagement, and the design of real-world games to strengthen neighborhoods. Stokes holds a PhD in Communication from USC and a BA in Physics from Haverford College.

Education:

• PhD in Communication, University of Southern California (USC)
• BA in Physics, Haverford College

Research Interests:

• Civic media and participatory design
• Game-based strategies for community empowerment
• Urban placemaking through technology
• Impact assessment of digital interventions

His recent book Locally Played: Real-World Games for Stronger Places and Communities (MIT Press, 2020) explores how games can foster local connections and equity.

Recent Projects: Includes the Neighborhood Storytelling System, Hive Mechanic game-authoring tool, and collaborations with libraries to promote local game design. Stokes also advises the Peabody Awards on interactive media recognition.

Awards & Fellowships:

• Fellow, Metropolitan Policy Center
• Fellow, Center for Media and Social Impact
• Core Faculty, AU Game Center
• World Summit Award (via VozMob project)

Teaching & Mentorship: Leads courses like Playful Cities and mentors students in AU’s MA/MFA Game Design programs. Focuses on doctoral research in communication and media studies.

Labs & Teams: Directs the Playful City Lab, a hub for designing games and media that strengthen urban communities. Collaborates with institutions like the KID Museum and 25+ libraries to promote participatory projects.