We consider a microscopic field theoretical approach for interacting active nematic particles. With only steric interactions the self-propulsion strength in such systems can lead to different collective behaviour, e.g. synchronized self-spinning and collective translation. The different behaviour results from the delicate interplay between internal nematic structure, particle shape deformation and particle–particle interaction. For intermediate active strength an asymmetric particle shape emerges and leads to chirality and self-spinning crystals. For larger active strength the shape is symmetric and translational collective motion emerges. Within circular confinements, depending on the packing fraction, the self-spinning regime either stabilizes positional and orientational order or can lead to edge currents and global rotation which destroys the synchronized self-spinning crystalline structure.