Gaming graduates on top of the world

Two Teesside graduates have been named among the world’s leading young games developers.

Michael Brown, 29 and Shaun Spalding, 25, both feature in Develop magazine’s annual 30 under 30 – an influential round-up of the best young games development talent sourced from around the world.

The pair are also both set to speak at next year’s Animex festival which takes place at Teesside University from 9 to 13 February.

Michael graduated last year with a BSc (Hons) Computer Games Design and is now a Director at independent games company Boneloaf in Sheffield, which he founded with his two brothers James and Jonathan.

'It feels a bit bizarre to be on the list but it is great recognition,' said Michael.

'I had a fantastic experience at Teesside University and can’t rate the games course highly enough – it has definitely helped me to get to where I am now.

'I am really looking forward to coming back for Animex. I was always too busy to attend as a student but it will be great to be able to share what I have learnt with like-minded people.'

Shaun graduated from Teesside in 2011 with a BSc (Hons) Creative Digital Media.

Since then he has worked for Ubisoft Reflections, created his own online tutorial series Making Games and launched an award winning independent game Another Perspective.

Gabrielle Kent, Deputy Head of Games Art and Design at Teesside University, said: 'We are extremely proud of what our graduates achieve and delighted that they are being recognised with such prestigious accolades. It is a testament to the hard work and dedication they have shown throughout their time at Teesside University.

'Both Michael and Shaun were fantastic students who have been incredibly successful. I’m really looking forward to welcoming them back for Animex and giving them the opportunity to inspire others.'

Michael and Shaun join fellow Teesside graduate Ellie Dudley who was featured in last year’s Develop 30 under 30. Ellie graduated this year with a BA (Hons) Computer Games Art and works as a Graphics User Interface (GUI) Artist at Lionhead Studios (Microsoft), who are best known for the Fable series.

---