Tyler

Tyler graduated from the Studio in summer 2019 with a double distinction* in Scripting and Programming, a double distinction* in Games Design, and an A* in his EPQ, meaning that his dream of becoming a games producer, writer and creative director was firmly within his reach. He secured an unconditional place at Teesside University to study game development.

After taking advantage of the range of activities on offer to him as a Studio student, Tyler was shortlisted as a finalist in the BAFTA Young Game Designer Awards in the 15-18-year-old ‘concept’ category. His game, Conundrum, is a first-person interactive adventure game which spans escape room and platforming styles. 

“This was the first time I was really questioned on what I actually wanted to do in the industry, which changed how I approached problems,” he says. “I started learning programming to understand how the software development pipeline works. The Studio has many networking events which helped me to meet new people in industry – I got to do testing for Ripstone Games and Lucid Games, which changed my perception of how the game design process works. Talks with my mentor Enda Carey really helped me understand how the industry works, and therefore how I can develop games for the industry’s current environment.

“The Studio’s environment and extra-curricular activities shape how you approach situations. For example, project-based learning put me in a room with people I didn’t know and made me come up with an idea for a product.”

Following a summer working with gaming giant PlayStation, and his game design degree well underway, Tyler credits the Studio for helping him to get where he is today.

“I wouldn’t be where I am today if it wasn’t for the creative, galvanising environment that the Studio provides,” Tyler says. “If I was still too scared to reach out and ask people in industry questions then I would be nowhere right now. Now I don’t hesitate. If I see an opportunity, I just go for it.”