TALENTED computer game designers could take their first step towards an impressive career.
Four budding Haddington whizzkids, aged from 11 to 18, have been named as finalists for the BAFTA YGD (British Academy of Film and Television Arts Young Game Designers) awards.
The awards celebrate the computer game creativity of people from throughout the country, with winners receiving a series of exclusive masterclasses and online networking with industry professionals, plus the opportunity for digital mentorship and careers advice.
Winners will be announced on July 8, with siblings Thomas and Polly Watson, as well as Marilyn Briggs and Louise Allan, among those up for top prizes.
Polly, 14, came up with ‘An UNNAMED game’, which is one of 10 finalists in the Game Concept Award: 10-14 years old category.
Players are challenged to help UNNAMED as he tries to gather ideas to restore his deleted world.
Polly said: “It would be amazing to see my idea become an actual game and to be able to tell a story that I’ve had stuck in my head for as long as I can remember!”
Younger brother Thomas, 11, had an unusual idea involving a hot dog and some ‘evil vegetables’.
Hot Dodge! is one of the finalists in the Game Making Award: 10-14 years old category.
Thomas said: “My goal is to have a career in gaming, so I couldn’t have asked for a better start with my first game.
“I’m really looking forward to having the opportunity to develop my skills with industry professionals.”
The game is described as ‘an addictive and fast-paced 2D strategy game where you guide your tasty hotdog through 14 action-packed levels, dodging the onslaught of evil healthy vegetables’.
Finally, Marilyn and Louise, both 18, are in the running for the 15-18 years old section of the Game Making Award.
Their game, To Be and Not To Be, is a puzzle platformer with the player as Schrödinger’s cat, switching between being dead and alive to move forward and solve puzzles.
Marilyn said: “It’s such an amazing opportunity we’ve been granted, particularly as it’s really our first step into the world of video game creation, it’s honestly rather surreal!
“It’s also quite affirming in a way for me as I’m hoping to work in the games industry someday – it’s nice to know I’m not totally barking up the wrong tree!
“I’m so excited about the support and mentorship opportunities that BAFTA are offering!”
Louise said: “Although the game was challenging at times and involved a lot of hard work, it was also just a great opportunity to spend some time with my friend doing something we’re both really passionate about and to have our efforts recognised feels awesome.”
Entries explore a wide variety of topics, ranging from climate change and social justice to escapism and mental health.
Dr Jo Twist, chair of the BAFTA Games Committee and CEO of UKIE, said: “Games have played such an important role in connecting, supporting, and entertaining people over the last year and it has been fascinating to see how much the wider industry has positively influenced the entrants.”
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