My Work

Academic Research

I am a doctoral researcher in the field of sustainability governance at Utrecht University, where I have focused my research in the games sector on the nature of dialogue about societal transformation, and the importance of structures supporting uncomfortable conversation to transformation. My first major published paper "Understanding Games as a Site of Utopian Resonance" explores what specific themes are present in conversations about utopian games, and what this implies for research and design. Further links to my academic work are available on my ORCID.

Tabletop RPG Design

I write Tabletop Role Playing Games and modules that explore the nature of personal development and communication. "Dragons and Travellers Tales" is a two player RPG built around nurturing relationships in a fantasy world, and "Night at the Barricades" focuses on the role that different personalities play in sustainability activist groups, with character types based on the Enneagram of Personality. My games are available on itch.io.

Consultancy

I offer consulting to indviduals and groups based on the Enneagram and Stafford Beer's Viable System Model. These two powerful systems offer ways to understand motivations, limitations, and dynamics within groups and for individuals that can promote positive and rapid transformation and growth. I offer personal Enneagram typing interviews at a rate of 120 USD and will give a full refund if you are not satisfied with my work. I can be contacted for typing interviews and further consulting inquiries at kyle.alexander.thompson(at)gmail.com.

Past Work

Podcasting

I was a co-host on the popular "Podcast of the Cybernetic Marxists" General Intellect Unit, where I use the research I did during my doctoral studies at Kyoto University to talk about economics, technology, design, and politics. We were one of the major sources of renewed interest in the work of Stafford Beer and the Viable System Model during the time of our show's run.

Youtube

I produced Let's Plays, design streams, tutorial videos, and RPG actual play videos for my YouTube channel. Some of my best known videos are my translator's Let's Play of Front Mission 5: Scars of the War, my tutorial series on the rules of the popular tabletop RPG Blades in the Dark, and a video explaining the concepts behind the educational game Crisis Theory. You can find links to these videos below.

J->E Translation

I have done Japanese to English translation work on video games, press releases, EULAs, and software manuals. My best known work is on *Front Mission 2* and *Front Mission 5* in the Front Mission Fan Translation Project.