Dr. Xu Xiao Yu
ENG3267 Language and Gender
As part of the Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) initiative at The Education University of Hong Kong (EdUHK), ENG3267 Language and Gender integrated an online guest lecture titled “Love is Not Around: Analysing Common Themes in Wandan Games,” delivered by Dr. Johnathan Harrington (Hong Kong Baptist University) via Zoom on 31 October 2025. This COIL activity was designed to embed interdisciplinary perspectives into course delivery and to foster students’ critical awareness of gender, control, and cultural trends in emerging multimedia genres. Following the lecture, 42 students engaged with Dr. Harrington through a Q&A discussion, exploring how thematic analysis can reveal societal trends in wandan-like games. The materials below—including screenshots from the Zoom session, selected lecture slides, and student feedback—serve as an exemplar of how COIL can be implemented at course level to enrich undergraduate learning experiences.
Guest Lecture on Language and Gender
In this talk, Dr. Johnathan Harrington discussed his ongoing research on wandan-like games — a genre of live-video dating games aimed at men that has grown significantly since the release of Love is All Around (intiny, 2023). By discussing his research process and breaking down good practice methods in analysing new multimedia phenomena, he showed how wandan-like games have recurring themes. Along with expected issues of sexualisation and gendered performativity, he also showed how these games share a common theme of control, revealing a pervasive latent desire for self-determinability among young disenfranchised men. He further explained how pairing this thematic analysis with a more cultural studies reading could reveal not only textual similarities across these games but also prevalent societal trends.
(guest lecture on Zoom)
Reflection and Evaluation
Student A’s comments:
Unique view points from a critical and an interesting perspective
Student B’s comments:
He brought up some interesting points and observations about a fun, new topic
Student C’s comments:
The lecture was highly relevant to our subject theme. The lecturer analysed the male gaze and gender stereotypes present in games, using male-oriented games as their research subject and examining aspects such as colour and female gestures which is very interesting and inspiring.
Student D’s comments:
A topic that has nearly never exposed to. Very interesting to introduced by a researcher in related field, rich content prepared by the guest speaker.
Student E’s comments:
This was an insightful lecture that completely reshaped my understanding. I had no idea these FMV dating games were not only still popular but actually thriving in the current market, and the research brilliantly illuminated this cultural trend for me. I’m truly inspired by the topic. This prevalence undoubtedly reflects some of the modern society’s understanding of gender. The research methods, particularly the application of procedural rhetoric to analyze game mechanics, was very interesting. In addition, I have also gained a new understanding of qualitative research and quantitative research. Overall, this was a very interesting lecture.
Student F’s comments:
I see that many women expresses different opinions about this wandan-like games online, feeling offended, uncomfortable, disgusting male gaze, etc. After the guest lecture I have a basic knowledge about this type of game, those images which have sexual innuendo really shock to me. Wandan-like games are simulated real life situation, in long run players may mix up about how to have a healthy relationship with women in reality and games. But, the responses from protagonist who is the first person point of view are impolite to women actually. It cannot help players to build a fair concept to women.
Student G’s comments:
The lecture provided a novel approach to research on the male gaze and gender stereotypes. As Wandan games are increasingly popular, many advertisements for them can be seen on different social media platforms, which may strengthen or bring out a new stereotype. Therefore, it is worthwhile to research them. Furthermore, this lecture showed different methods of research, which are very conducive to applying to this course or even other courses.