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Dr Mark Johnson is a Senior Lecturer in Digital Cultures at the University of Sydney's Discipline of Media and Communications, within the School of Arts and Social Sciences. He co-directs the University of Sydney Game and Play Lab and is a leading authority on Twitch.tv, live streaming, and esports. His work bridges academia and independent game development, with notable contributions to the roguelike game Ultima Ratio Regum and frequent commentary in media.
Education: PhD in sociology from the University of York (UK), followed by postdoctoral positions at the University of York, Goldsmiths College London, and the University of Alberta before joining Sydney in 2019.
Research focuses on: Twitch live streaming labor and monetization, esports culture, game design (masocore, procedural generation), and platform studies (monetization algorithms, infrastructure). Current major projects include a gambling live streaming study funded by NSW Office of Responsible Gambling and a cross-cultural comparison of English and Japanese game streamers funded by the Hoso Bunka Foundation.
Teaching: Courses include Games and Play, Digital Creators and Audiences, and Researching Digital Cultures. Supervises four PhD students exploring topics like worldbuilding in late capitalism, microgames, humor in streaming, and dating sim taboos.
Media presence: Regularly featured in ABC News, Washington Post, Sydney Morning Herald, and WIRED for commentary on gaming trends, live streaming ethics, and digital culture.
