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Emma Reay is a Senior Lecturer in Emerging Media at the University of Southampton, with research interests that explore the intersection of Games Studies, Games Design, and Childhood Studies. She investigates the social, ethical, and political dimensions of games, particularly the opportunity spaces created by radical play within virtual worlds. A strong advocate for the importance of lifelong play and cooperative gaming, Emma emphasizes the joy found in resistance. Previously, she served as a Research Fellow on the ATTUNE project, focusing on the adverse effects of childhood trauma and the benefits of arts-based interventions. Her collaborations with young people have delved into how video games can serve therapeutic purposes, aiding mood repair, resilience building, and community creation. In addition, Emma holds several advisory roles, including as a clinical trustee for a mental wellness charity and a board member for a research initiative focused on inclusive youth literature. Her current research interests also include themes of death, dying, and mental health within gaming contexts. Emma teaches various courses, including Playful Narrative Structures and Critical Making, while being an author of the forthcoming book 'Child Videogames' and published articles across various academic journals.