Reaching the Next Level with Mike Cook

The second episode of the AI and Games podcast features a discussion between host Dr. Tommy Thompson and guest Dr. Michael Cook, a senior lecturer at King’s College London. The primary purpose of the conversation is to explore the themes and development process behind Dr. Cook’s book, Next Level, which serves as an introductory guide to procedural content generation (PCG) and generative design within the video game industry.

The discussion highlights the challenges of translating complex technical concepts into accessible material for a general audience, particularly for readers without a formal computer science background. The dialogue emphasizes the importance of contextualizing technical advancements by referencing influential titles such as Dwarf Fortress and Caves of Qud, illustrating how these games serve as foundational examples for understanding generative systems.

This content is situated within the broader context of the 2026 games industry, focusing on the practical application and evolution of artificial intelligence. By providing an educational entry point into PCG, the work aims to demystify how generative tools function in modern game development. The podcast serves as a professional resource for industry enthusiasts, offering insights into the intersection of academic research and practical game design through an expert-led, analytical lens.