Teesside graduates helping to take video games into the future

Teesside University graduates are involved in a campaign to recreate to the old days of video games development.

Independent company 22cans was set up in March 2012 by a small team with a wealth of experience in computer games development. Their aim is to create the next generation of innovative digital entertainment, with a return to the spirit in which many of them first started working in the games industry.

Their plan is to carry out 22 experiments and with their latest venture they are using the Kickstarter platform to enable games enthusiasts to get involved in the creation of video game GODUS through funding pledges.

22cans was set up in Guildford by veteran games guru Peter Molyneux, who started games studios Bullfrog and Lionhead and went on to be creative director for Europe at Microsoft.

Among the 22cans team are Teesside University graduates Jemma Harris and David Jackson. Jemma initially enlisted David on a work experience placement, thanks to the links she’s kept with her former University.

Since graduating from Teesside with a film and television production degree seven years ago, Jemma has worked on video productions for Barclays Bank, set up a work experience programme at Lionhead Studios and worked as an associate producer with Microsoft Games Studios, based in London and Los Angeles.

Originally from Yarm, Jemma said: 'Teesside gave me a great grounding in the media industry and I’ve gone on to work on some of the biggest projects in the world with some of the most talented teams. While that has been going on, I’ve built up a great relationship with current students and academics at the University and it’s great to come back and give talks about the industry and speak to students about their aims and ambitions.

'Having first-hand experience of the degree at Teesside, I know what it involves and how it prepares students for work in the industry. The facilities are amazing. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Teesside to any student looking for professional training.'

David, 22, of Middlesbrough, graduated from the BA (Hons) Television and Film Production this year. He said: 'I believe the degree helped me out in multiple ways, from the technical side of things, such as use of cameras and sound recording equipment, to understanding editing software. The course also allowed us to choose our own path and create a portfolio for the desired career we wanted to pursue. Without this education and training I would probably not have this role at 22cans.'

He added: 'One thing I enjoyed about the degree was trying out new roles such as producer, director and cameraman. Without that freedom we could easily miss out on any hidden talents. I was attracted to Teesside University because it was in my hometown and it felt right to study there.'

Mick Stockton, Principal Lecturer in Business Engagement in the University’s School of Arts & Media, said: 'It’s fantastic to know that a significant percentage of this innovative and interactive studio is made up of media graduates from Teesside University, who are there as these pioneering games sector veterans value graduates with an understanding of the media at large.'

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Find out more about the 22cans GODUS project