Students from Stone and across Staffordshire who are considering careers in the games industry may benefit from a new University of Staffordshire scheme linking games students with industry professionals.
Staffordshire Games Institute is welcoming six Games Industry Professionals in Residence, including four university alumni, to support students across its games courses.
The programme will see the industry guests take part in guest lectures, industry panels, portfolio reviews, mock interviews and other sessions aimed at helping students understand what employers expect.
The first six Games Professionals in Residence are Abbygale Dunn, Director, Founder and Lead Programmer at Astral Forge, Gary Napper, Games Designer at Great Ape Games, Jake Hayton, Senior Server Engineer at Forthstar, Laurence Oldham, former Head of Design at Frontier Developments, Rich Harper, Principal Technical Artist at Rare, and Ryan Buxton, Senior Programmer at MTX Solutions.
Abbygale Dunn, Jake Hayton, Rich Harper and Ryan Buxton are all University of Staffordshire alumni.
Professor Chris Headleand, Head of Staffordshire Games Institute, said
“The relationships we have with our colleagues in industry are fundamental to everything we do at Staffordshire Games Institute. This scheme has been launched as part of our ongoing graduate employability promise, and our commitment to industry integration.
“Connecting students with professionals throughout their degree provides a first-hand insight into industry expectations, which helps bring learning to life, and supports students in shaping their future career path.
“We are very excited to welcome our first cohort of six exceptional Games Professionals in Residence whose experience and expertise will have a hugely positive impact on our student community.”
Laurence Oldham worked at Frontier Developments for more than two decades, including as lead designer on projects such as Wallace & Gromit, The Curse of the Were-rabbit, Kinect, Disneyland Adventures, and Elite Dangerous.
He said
“I’ve always been impressed by the quality of work done at the Staffordshire Games Institute and by its open engagement with industry.
“Fostering this direct connection allows industry to help guide and reinforce the work of the excellent and dedicated staff. It’s also incredibly enriching for those of us in industry to be able to give back, especially as so many have their roots in these courses.”
Abbygale Dunn, who studied Computer Games Design and Programming at University of Staffordshire, said
“Being among the first welcomed into this scheme is both an honour and a privilege. As a graduate, I know firsthand the impact that the University’s support, guidance, and opportunities can have on a career, and I wouldn’t be where I am today without them.
“When I was approached about joining the scheme, I jumped at the chance to give back and support the next generation of the games industry.”
Jake Hayton, also a Computer Games Design and Programming alumnus, said
“It’s a massive honour to be selected for the GPIR scheme. I’ve loved attending industry events at University of Staffordshire for many years now; the passion they have for engaging students with industry keeps me coming back for more.
“It’s incredibly valuable to give students the opportunities to engage with industry professionals, as it can provide them with support and guidance as they make important decisions in the direction of their education and career.”
