Young Game Designers Compete for BAFTA Gaming Awards 2023

Two aspiring game developers from the East of England have been shortlisted for the prestigious BAFTA Games Awards, recognizing their creative contributions to the gaming industry. Daniel Tachauer, a 14-year-old from Essex, and 18-year-old Ruby, from Suffolk, are among 52 nominees selected by industry experts for the Young Game Designers (YGD) competition. The awards ceremony is slated for June 18, 2023, and will be live-streamed on BAFTA's YouTube channel.

The YGD competition aims to celebrate and nurture young talent in game design, allowing participants aged 10 to 18 to present their innovative ideas. Daniel's entry, titled "Planet Drop," is a puzzle game reminiscent of classic titles like Tetris, where players merge falling planets. Daniel, who began gaming two years ago, has self-taught game development through online tutorials. He expressed enthusiasm about his journey, stating, "It’s easier to make games now than it ever has been before, with all the tools and everything."

Ruby's game, "Through The Darkness," challenges players to navigate a maze by following musical cues in a dark environment, aimed at raising awareness about the gaming experiences of visually impaired individuals. Ruby commented, "If I was to win, it would really mean a lot to me, because game making is one of my passions and one of the things I want to have a career in."

The BAFTA Games Awards are divided into two categories: the Game Concept Award for written game ideas and the Game Making Award for completed games. Each category recognizes two age groups: 10 to 14 years and 15 to 18 years. The winners are determined by a jury of industry professionals who evaluate the creativity and technical execution of the games.

Luke Hebblethwaite, head of games at BAFTA, remarked on the impressive quality of submissions, highlighting the UK's thriving gaming industry, which contributes approximately £7 billion to the economy. He stated, "There are brilliant companies up and down the country producing games that will sit on your consoles that people will be playing on a daily basis around the world."

The YGD competition not only showcases young talent but also emphasizes the importance of inclusivity and diversity in gaming, as exemplified by Ruby's project. Both Daniel and Ruby’s achievements underscore the potential of the next generation of game developers in shaping the future of the gaming landscape. The upcoming ceremony represents not just a competition but a celebration of creativity and innovation in the gaming industry, fostering a platform for young designers to shine.

As the gaming world continues to evolve, initiatives like the YGD competition play a crucial role in discovering and cultivating new talent. The implications of this event extend beyond individual recognition, as it highlights the growing significance of young voices in an industry that has become a major cultural and economic force worldwide.