Concordia Milieux Institute Advances XR and Games Research Through Captures Journal Thematic Issue

The Milieux Institute for Arts, Culture and Technology at Concordia University in Montréal has announced a significant opportunity for researchers and creators working in extended reality (XR) and games. Hexagram Network’s Chantier XR/Games is inviting statements of intent for a thematic issue in the peer-reviewed journal Captures. This call highlights the vibrant research-creation ecosystem in Quebec’s higher-education sector, where interdisciplinary collaboration between institutions such as Concordia and the Université du Québec à Montréal (UQAM) continues to thrive.

Background on the Milieux Institute and Hexagram Network

Established as an interdisciplinary graduate research institute at Concordia University, the Milieux Institute brings together artists, designers, engineers, and scholars across seven thematic research clusters. It fosters innovative work at the intersection of new media arts, digital culture, and interactive technologies. The Hexagram Network, a key partner in this initiative, connects researchers across Quebec universities and supports projects that blend artistic practice with scholarly inquiry. Chantier XR/Games specifically focuses on extended reality technologies and game studies, areas that have seen substantial growth in Canadian academic programs over the past decade.

Details of the Thematic Issue Call for Papers

The call targets individuals currently leading or previously involved in research-creation projects related to XR and games. Proposals are welcomed from faculty, independent researchers, and students alike. Accepted formats include full-length articles of approximately 5,000 words or shorter counterpoint pieces of 500 words. Although the official call is issued in French, English-language proposals are explicitly encouraged, reflecting the journal’s bilingual approach.

Key deadlines include submission of a notice of intent by August 16, 2026, with decisions communicated by September 18, 2026. Full dossier proposals to Captures are due October 9, 2026, and completed texts by November 29, 2026. Publication is scheduled for spring 2027. Notices of intent should be sent to laboratoire1p1@uqam.ca.

Guest Editors and Institutional Collaboration

The thematic issue will be guest-edited by a team representing both UQAM and Concordia University. Laureline Chiapello and Martin Lalonde from NAD-UQAM bring expertise in design and media studies, while Alexandra Martin from UQAM contributes to the editorial vision. Bart Simon from Concordia University’s Milieux Institute adds depth in game studies and digital culture. This cross-institutional partnership exemplifies the collaborative spirit that characterizes higher-education research in Quebec.

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About the Journal Captures

Published twice annually and affiliated with the Figura research centre at UQAM, Captures is a French-language peer-reviewed journal that also accepts English submissions. It explores figures, theories, and practices of the imaginary across literary studies, film, art history, architecture, and media arts. The journal maintains an international scope while remaining deeply rooted in Quebec’s academic community. A thematic issue on XR and games aligns perfectly with its mandate to examine contemporary cultural and technological imaginaries.

Relevance to Canadian Higher Education and Research-Creation

Research-creation, a methodology that integrates artistic practice with scholarly inquiry, has become a cornerstone of graduate programs at Concordia and peer institutions across Canada. The call provides a platform for emerging and established scholars to disseminate work on immersive technologies, interactive storytelling, and the cultural implications of games. With Canada’s strong position in digital media and gaming industries, such publications contribute to national conversations about innovation, ethics, and accessibility in new media.

Opportunities for PhD Students and Early-Career Researchers

PhD-track job seekers and graduate students will find this call particularly valuable. The invitation explicitly encourages student submissions, offering a pathway to peer-reviewed publication early in their careers. Successful contributions could strengthen applications for postdoctoral positions, faculty roles, or industry collaborations in XR development and game design. The bilingual nature of the journal also supports researchers working across linguistic communities in Canada.

Broader Implications for Arts, Culture, and Technology Research

Thematic issues like this one advance discourse on how XR and games shape social interactions, education, and cultural heritage. Topics may range from immersive storytelling techniques to the ethical design of virtual environments. By foregrounding research-creation, the issue bridges theory and practice, aligning with funding priorities from bodies such as the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC) and the Canada Council for the Arts.

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Future Outlook and Next Steps for Interested Researchers

With deadlines approaching in summer 2026, prospective contributors should begin preparing notices of intent that clearly articulate project scope, methodological innovation, and relevance to XR/games scholarship. Collaboration across clusters at Milieux or with Hexagram partners could strengthen proposals. The resulting publication in spring 2027 will serve as a key reference point for scholars and practitioners navigating the rapidly evolving landscape of immersive technologies.

Resources for Further Engagement

Researchers interested in similar opportunities can explore ongoing calls at the Milieux Institute website or monitor updates from the Hexagram Network. Concordia University’s graduate programs in media studies and design offer additional pathways for those seeking to deepen their engagement with research-creation methodologies.