Mata is an academic and digital creative with over 20 years of experience in both design and writing for a video games and a broad range of entertainment media.
In 2006, Mata completed their PhD on the influence of technology on narrative and identity in modern fiction.
They are the Professor of Creative & Entertainment games at Breda University of Applied Sciences in the Netherlands, as well as consulting on game & narrative design, primarily in the area of writing and storytelling in games. Outside of research, they supervise master's students, Professional Doctorate candidates, and are part of several national and international networks and committees related to the video games, immersion, writing, diversity and inclusion, sustainability, and community building.