The UK Games Fund Awards 2018 in association with DC Thomson Media and 4J studios, have released the shortlist for their first ever awards ceremony.
The awards are being run by DCT Media Events and are taking place on November 14th in Dundee. The evening will recognise talent across UK games development and celebrate the achievements of the UK’s independent games development sector.
Judging took place at DC Thomson’s London office on Fleet Street and judges included, Dr Jo Twist (CEO of Ukie), Richard Leinfellner (lecturer at Goldsmiths University), Haydn Taylor (writer for Games Industry Biz), Andy Williams (DC Thomson Media) and Paddy Burns (co-founder of 4J Studios).
Reflecting on the day, Dr Jo Twist said,
“The quality of entrants was fantastic to see and demonstrates how effective it can be to provide local support, UK Games Fund grants, advice and mentoring to foster innovation, business resilience and creativity.
“Some of these companies have already achieved great success and others are clearly on their way and I look forward to seeing what these talented teams do next.”
With the volume and quality of nominees being extremely high, the judging was not an easy process for the panel. However, after much deliberation, the shortlisted nominees are;
Early Audience Experts
Community Contributor
- Richard Hebblewhite (Wrexham Glyndŵr University)
- Steven Huckle (The Games Hub)
- Adam Boyne (BetaJester)
Deal of the Year
- Fourth State
- Tom Beardsmore (Coatsink)
- Tony Gowland (Ant Workshop)
Studio of the Year
Studio Leader
- Frank Arnot (Stormcloud Games)
- Tom Beardsmore (Coatsink)
- Olly Bennett (Cardboard Sword)
Game Development Genius
- Ian Hardingham (Mode 7 Games)
- Matt Wieteska (Six to Start)
- Rob Hewson (Huey Games Ltd)
Smart Studio
Tranzfuser Award
Tranzfuser Local Hub of the Year
Kirsty Gibson, Head of Community at UK Games Talent and Finance CIC, said,
“We believe it’s time that emerging UK creative entrepreneurial talent was recognised in this way.
“The quality across the board was exceptional and each of today’s nominees has a well-deserved place. This potential bodes very well for the future of UK independent games development.”
The awards are expected to capitalise on Dundee’s vibrant games development heritage and future potential. Being one of the UK’s creative clusters, Dundee is the perfect host city to showcase and recognise the achievements of the best of the early stage talent within the UK Games Fund community.
The shortlisted nominees will visit Dundee during a particularly exciting year for the city with the newly opened V&A museum. Nominees will attend a welcome reception at DC Thomson Media’s headquarters in the city, and join the glamourous awards ceremony at the Apex Hotel.
Tickets for the event are available here.