Muya Koloko’s research redefines gaming role in society

As an Assistant Lecturer at the Centre for Film & Media Studies and co-founder of UCT’s ParaSports Club, Koloko is redefining the role of gaming beyond entertainment. His research into gaming’s cognitive and social impact challenges assumptions, demonstrating that virtual worlds can be powerful tools for learning. His PhD thesis, “This Will Never Happen in Real Life”: Cape Town Tweens’ Responses to Represented Violence in Digital Games, explores how interactive media influences behaviour. As Koloko embarks on his next chapter, he is determined to take his research beyond academia into the heart of industry and policymaking, where gaming’s potential for intellectual and social transformation can be fully realised. #ChooseUCT #UCT Excellence #Vision 2030 #UCTGrad2025 #UCTResearch #FutureofGaming #Videogames #UCTPhD