Interactive Narrative
How can branching stories and character-driven design give players a meaningful role in shaping a game’s narrative?
Research
Exploring stories, politics, and choices in interactive media
Lucas Sanchez is a doctoral student in Texts & Technology (Digital Media) at the University of Central Florida. His academic background brings together video game design and creative writing, with a focus on how interactive media can explore complex themes and engage players in meaningful ways.
Research Interests
Contemporary Topic Engagement
How can video games effectively address and explore current social, political, or cultural issues?
Computational & Immersive Media
What possibilities and challenges do emerging tools bring to game creation? Coursework has included generative AI, large language models, and virtual reality.
Academic Background
University of Central Florida
PhD, Digital Media (Video Game Design)
Expected
MA, Digital Media (Video Game Design)
GPA: 4.00
BA, English (Creative Writing) & BA, Digital Media (Video Game Design)
GPA: 3.950 · Summa Cum Laude
Exhibitions & Conventions
Orlando Spark STEM Fest
Orlando, FL · February 2026
UCF Faculty Author Celebration
Orlando, FL · February 2026
Electronic Literature Organization (un)Supervised
Orlando, FL · May 2026
Teaching & Academic Practice
Visiting Instructor
Instruction and facilitation of student projects in the creation of market-ready video games.
Graduate Teaching Associate
Teaching and lab support, makerspace operations, and helping undergraduate students with projects and activities.
Relevant Coursework
Computational Media
Technology, use, practice, and ethics of generative AI and large language models in the game design industry.
Multi-Modal Design
Design and build virtual reality experiences, including the coding and infrastructure required to run them.
Research Methods
Principles and practices of conducting research in the field of digital media and game design.
AI in the Humanities
Exploration of the intersection between artificial intelligence and humanistic inquiry, focusing on ethical considerations and methodological approaches.