Christopher Brandon Stephens

Christopher Brandon Stephens serves as an Associate Professor of Practice in the Design department at the Guildhall, Southern Methodist University. Joining the faculty in August 2019, he leverages over 12 years of professional experience in the video game industry, having shipped 11 titles across platforms ranging from Nintendo 3DS to Oculus Rift.

His educational qualifications include:

• AS in Computer Information Systems from Ivy Tech State College
• BS in Digital Entertainment and Game Design from ITT Technical Institute
• Professional Certificate in Digital Game Development from SMU Guildhall

Professor Stephens' research and professional focus centers on game design, particularly audience-centric approaches. He has extensive experience in developing games for diverse audiences, including children's licensed titles (such as Madagascar 3 and Kung Fu Panda) and virtual reality experiences. His expertise spans multiple genres and platforms, with a strong emphasis on understanding how design choices resonate with target demographics.

At SMU Guildhall, Professor Stephens mentors students in game design, drawing from his industry roles at Vicious Cycle Software, Behaviour Interactive, and Twisted Pixel Games. He advises students to cultivate their professional networks within their cohort, emphasizing that reputation is paramount in the gaming industry.

His industry collaborations include co-development with Ubisoft Montreal on Rainbow Six: Siege Outbreak and creating VR titles for Oculus, providing valuable connections and real-world context for his students.