Unveiling the Creators of BAFTA-nominated Games Transforming a £6bn Industry!

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The vibrant British video game industry contributes approximately £6 billion to the United Kingdom’s economy and sustains over 76,000 employment positions, as per the most recent annual report from UKIE (the representative organization for the interactive entertainment sector).

But what sorts of games are being made in the UK and who is making them?

This week, we spotlight some key figures from a sector that sometimes goes unnoticed, zeroing in on the six contenders for the Best British Game award at this year’s BAFTA Games Gala.

Xu Xiaojun – Game Director and Studio Head on LEGO Horizon Adventures

What are your earliest gaming memories?

My first distinct recollection is from Shanghai, where I spent my childhood years. One vivid image that remains is a barbershop I frequented. At the back of the shop, there was an old black-and-white TV, likely used as additional income source by the owners. This allowed customers to enjoy a brief gaming session while they waited for their haircuts. Games like Contra and other classics were available.

How did you become a game developer yourself?

My introduction to gaming occurred through computer science, as there were no specialized gaming degrees or educational programs in China during that time. I was fortunate enough to secure an internship at a game-related website, which eventually led me to my first job as a level designer at Ubisoft, the publisher known for creating games like Assassin’s Creed.

Where are you now?

Studio Gobo – Our team hails from Brighton, England. In collaboration with Guerrilla Games stationed in Amsterdam, we’ve been working diligently on this project. However, our main development force resides right here in the UK. We have around 125 dedicated individuals contributing to this game.

What advice would you give to others interested in gaming as a career?

How would you describe your game?

The LEGO robot dinosaurs refer to three creations, fundamentally speaking. The Horizon series, which is owned by Sony, centers around colossal machines in a breathtaking setting, and LEGO Horizon Adventures is a more approachable rendition of this concept.

How does it feel to be BAFTA-nominated?

It’s a tremendous privilege for us. This is our very first game, so being nominated despite it being our debut effort is truly heartening and outstanding acknowledgment.

LEGO Horizon Adventures is available on PC, PS5 and Switch.

Dom Matthews – Studio Head on Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2

What are your early gaming memories?

In my younger days, my older sibling acquired a Sinclair ZX Spectrum 48k, and I can still recall spending hours engrossed in Barbarian on it. That’s when I developed a deep affection for video games. At school, I became well-known as the “gaming kid”.

How did you turn that passion into a career as a game developer?

Initially, my academic path veered in a distinct direction as I pursued economics in university. However, my professional journey took an unexpected turn and led me into PR and marketing fields. One fateful day, I chanced upon a job posting from Capcom, creators of Resident Evil – a series I was deeply fond of. Seizing the opportunity, I applied for the position, and the rest, as they say, is history.

What advice would you give others interested in gaming as a career?

Pursue what you’re deeply interested in, as there are numerous resources available for self-learning, often at no cost. Explore tutorials from conferences like the Game Developers Conference, and utilize free tools like Unreal Engine [3D creation tool]. Experiment with it during your leisure time to create projects and enhance your skills.

Where are you based?

Located in Cambridge, our creative hub, Ninja Theory, boasts a staff of approximately 100 individuals. What sets us apart is a distinctly British charm – a pub resides at the foot of our very building.

How would you describe your game?

This tale takes us on an immersive, personality-focused exploration through the Viking territory of Iceland, featuring a protagonist grappling with mental illness.

How does it feel to be BAFTA-nominated?

Stunning! These accolades are the premier honors within the gaming sector. All of a sudden, individuals who previously hadn’t given much thought to your work, such as friends and relatives, become intrigued by it.

Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2 is available on PC and Xbox Series X/S.

Jon Ingold and Joseph Humphrey – Writer and Director of A Highland Song

What are your early gaming memories?

Back in the 1980s, I began exploring text-based adventure games. Instead of visual graphics, you’d type commands to unfold a narrative.

JOSEPH – I had a Mac, which had a niche set of games like Escape Velocity and Monkey Island.

How did you become game developers?

Initially, I spent several years developing games independently. After that, I landed a position at a game development studio, which gave me insights into creating larger-scale games. It was during this time that I encountered Joe, and together we established Inkle Studios.

Where are you based?

JOHN – Our business operates out of Cambridge, yet our game is an affectionate tribute to the Highlands and the rich tapestry of Scottish history and folklore. Moreover, we feature music from two renowned Scottish folk groups, Talisk and Fourth Moon.

JOSEPH – I have an English background but was raised and born in Scotland. As a child, I spent considerable time in the Scottish Highlands, which served as the primary influence behind the creation of the game.

What advice would you give others interested in gaming as a career?

JOSEPH – To secure a position in the gaming sector, it’s crucial to build a robust portfolio showcasing your work. Game companies typically focus more on your past projects, which could be self-initiated, rather than the specific university degree you hold.

How would you describe your game?

JON – We often find ourselves discussing our work, which involves creating games. The usual response? Questions about murder or car theft. But let me clarify, our games are all about hiking through the breathtaking landscapes of the Scottish Highlands. Couldn’t be more dissimilar.

How does it feel to be BAFTA-nominated?

JOSEPH – BAFTA is among the rare organizations that lends credibility to the gaming sector. In contrast to movies, literature, and television, games still face a certain level of challenge in terms of recognition. Thus, the role played by BAFTA, and the chances they offer to independent studios like ours, is truly amazing.

A Highland Song is available on PC, Mac and Switch.

Laura Dodds – Associate Art Director on Still Wakes the Deep

What are your early gaming memories?

I’ve harbored a deep affection for movies and TV shows since time immemorial, but the thrill I get from handing a game to someone and not knowing their next move is truly unparalleled. The allure of the unknown, the joy it brings, is what ultimately drew me into the world of gaming.

How did you get into the games industry?

After completing my education at the National Film and Television School, I pursued a master’s degree in Games Design. This experience equipped me with essential skills and valuable connections within the industry. From there, things began to develop naturally.

What advice would you give to others interested in gaming as a career?

Initially, I was clueless about breaking into the gaming world; it appeared as though it was some enchanting, mysterious domain. However, there are numerous paths to enter this industry. For me, discovering a course tailored to my needs was instrumental in my journey.

How would you describe your game?

The game has a vibe reminiscent of ’70s kitchen-sink dramas, but it’s set on an oil rig. Initially, it feels quite realistic, but as you progress, it delves into surreal, otherworldly, and cosmic horror themes.

Still Wakes the Deep is available on PC, PS5 and Xbox Series X/S.

Henry Hoffmann – Game Director of Paper Trail

What are your early gaming memories?

Ever since I turned five, gaming has been a part of my routine. In the dead of the night, I’d often sneak from my bed to engage with the Nintendo Entertainment System. Those nights would stretch into mornings, and then I’d have to trudge off to school, feigning a good night’s sleep.

How did you become a game developer?

For around nine to sixteen years old, I spent my leisure hours creating numerous games with available game-making software or from magazine covers. Throughout these years, I experimented extensively before attending university for a degree in video games, art, and design. It was during my university years that I established my first studio.

Where are you based?

Our headquarters are located in the city of Norwich. Together with my brother, Fred, I established Newfangled Games. Growing up, we were both from a small town in rural Suffolk named Halesworth.

What advice would you give others interested in gaming as a career?

Participate in “game-making marathons”, which are brief contests that can take place online or in person. During these events, teams come together to develop video games within a limited period of time. Most of the games I’ve created initially began as projects from these game-making marathons.

How would you describe your game?

This is a video game inspired by origami, featuring a top-down adventure setting. In this game, each level resembles a flat piece of paper, with one side representing one world and the other side representing another. The unique feature here allows you to fold these levels over, enabling you to connect and explore both worlds physically.

How does it feel to be BAFTA-nominated?

Completely unprepared feels like an understatement for us, starting with just two members and now being five. Yet, the support from BAFTA right from the beginning has been reassuring.

Paper Trail is available on PC, Mac, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, Switch and mobile.

Will Todd – Co-Creator of Thank Goodness You’re Here!

What are your early gaming memories?

For as far back as my memory goes, I’ve been captivated by games. Some of my earliest recollections are from a place reminiscent of Wacky Warehouse, where PlayStation 1 consoles were set up, offering classics like Crash Bandicoot and Spyro the Dragon.

How did you become a developer?

Over the course of my academic journey, I specialized in gaming at both college and university, with an emphasis on programming. Upon graduation, I discovered that my childhood friend, James Carbutt [pictured to the right, alongside Todd], possessed a distinct skill set that was highly compatible with mine. He excelled in illustration and animation. Seizing this opportunity, we decided to collaborate during a single weekend, a collaboration that has spanned an astonishing six years since then.

Where are you based?

Currently, we find ourselves in London, however, our roots trace back to the northern part of England. Barnsley, a town in South Yorkshire, served as our muse – Barnsworth in the game is an intentional, subtle tribute to it.

How would you describe your game?

This place is an imaginative, slightly surreal take on our hometown, where as a traveling salesman, you find yourself with some free time. The locals seem to offer you a series of absurd and comical tasks that escalate, leading to all sorts of chaos. We’ve dubbed it a “slap-former,” meaning it’s a platformer game with lots of slapstick humor.

How does it feel to be BAFTA-nominated?

It’s simply astounding that our work was appreciated beyond Barnsley. To be acknowledged by our contemporaries and have our first attempt welcomed so warmly is truly remarkable.

Thank Goodness You’re Here! Is available on PC, Mac, PS5, PS4 and Switch

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2025-04-08 06:36