23 Mar 2025
We are pleased to welcome and introduce new faculty members to the Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University, the Academy of Film and Creative Technology. They are Chengshuo (Eddie) Hou and Yankuang Gu. Having them on board, the Academy can further improve the teaching quality, expand the faculty capacity, and provide an excellent education for our programmes.
Chengshuo (Eddie) Hou
Courses taught
- CAT208TC - Audio Landscape Design
World of Warcraft - The War Within
Research interests
Chengshuo Hou's research interest would focus on immersive audio technology, exploring how advanced audio techniques can enhance user experiences in gaming, virtual reality, and interactive media. I'm particularly interested in the integration of 3D audio and spatial sound design to create more engaging and realistic environments.
Bio
Fortnite Fracture
守望先锋2
Yankuang Gu
Courses taught
- CAT101TC Digital Tools for XR
- FTA 441 Event Management & Curation
Research interests
- Game Design Theory: Exploring mechanics that foster emotional resonance and player autonomy.
- VR/AR Interaction Design: Enhancing immersion through intuitive interfaces and spatial computing.
Bio
Yankuang Gu is a multidisciplinary Unity developer and game designer with a robust background in both the artistic and technical facets of game creation. Holding an MA in Computer Games Art & Design from Goldsmiths, University of London, and a BSc in Computer Science (Game Engineering) from Newcastle University, he bridges the gap between creative design and technical execution.
With professional experience spanning game development, VR/AR projects, and interactive installations, Yankuang has contributed to diverse industry projects. His projects delve into human-machine interaction, particularly exploring VR multi-topic themes such as body subordination and VR games.
TALK
Why teaching at XJTLU/AFCT？
Eddie: I am excited to join XJTLU/AFCT because of its innovative approach to education and its commitment to fostering creativity and interdisciplinary collaboration. The university’s focus on cutting-edge technology and its vibrant international community aligns perfectly with my passion for immersive audio and interactive media. I am eager to contribute to the development of future audio professionals and to be part of a forward-thinking institution that values both academic excellence and real-world application.
Yankuang: XJTLU's commitment to interdisciplinary innovation aligns perfectly with my ethos of merging technical and creative disciplines. And AFCT offers an ideal platform to nurture future leaders in gaming and immersive tech.
Your expectations for teaching at AFCT…
Eddie: My goal is to inspire students to explore the limitless possibilities of audio design and to equip them with the technical and creative skills needed to succeed in the industry. I hope to create an engaging and collaborative learning environment where students can experiment, innovate, and develop their unique voices as audio designers. By integrating hands-on projects and real-world examples, I aim to prepare students for the challenges and opportunities they will encounter in their careers.
Yankuang: By integrating project-based learning with industry tools, I aim to let students gain practical skills while exploring their creative explorations.
Please say something to our students…
Eddie: Dear students, if you have a passion for game design and an interest in audio production—whether it’s sound effects, interactive music, or mixing—this program is for you. Together, we will explore the art and science of creating immersive audio experiences that bring stories and games to life. I look forward to working with you and helping you unlock your creative potential. Welcome to the course, and let’s create something extraordinary!
Yankuang: Think of your creativity as an unlimited respawn—keep iterating, failing gloriously, and levelling up. Game dev isn't just about beating the final boss (though that’s cool, too); it's about the mess. Your weirdest ideas are the Easter eggs the industry needs.
By Wenzhen Li
Photos courtesy of Chengshuo Hou and Yankuang Gu
23 Mar 2025