Leading UK games industry magazine Develop has released its yearly ’30 Under 30’ list that recognises top talent from across the sector. Many of Scotland’s rising stars of game development were considered for the 2009 list, with Abertay graduate Andrew Smith from Proper Games making the final selection.
Andrew studied Bachelor of Arts with Honours in Computer Arts at the University of Abertay Dundee and graduated in 2004.
He was lead designer on the downloadable Xbox Live Arcade and Playstation Network title Flock! that would go on to win a Scottish ‘Game of the Year’ BAFTA award and is heavily involved in several gaming events including Abertay’s own Dare to be Digital computer game design competition and Next Level Dundee.
Proper Games is currently working alongside publisher Capcom on Final Fight: Double Impact, which hits Xbox Live Arcade and Playstation Network early this year.
Andrew’s involvement in the Dundee industry, both at professional, academic and public level, is testament to the dedication and community atmosphere surrounding the city, clearly marking it as the game-making capital of Scotland and one of the UK’s great hubs of digital collaboration and innovation.
Andrew said: “I was really surprised and hugely honoured to hear I had been included. This list is something I have kept an eye on since I knew it existed and I never would have thought I’d be on it! Since I was wee I’ve wanted to make games and make people smile playing them. So not only has it been an amazing year releasing Flock! and seeing all the positive feedback, but getting recognized for it and my hard work outside of the level editor and Word documents that dominate my 9-5 working life is truly an amazing experience.
“Building up to the release of Final Fight: Double Impact has also seen a surge of fans who seem to truly appreciate the hard work and fond details we’ve daubed all over the project. I can’t wait to get it out there and see people playing it.
“Special mention must go to everyone else here at Proper Games. We’re all pretty young and most of the guys here are way more talented than me. I think I’m just louder! Of course Interactive Tayside and Abertay should get a word in too. Without their brilliantly run events and sterling efforts I don’t think I’d be anywhere near the public face I seem to be turning into, at least in Dundee. Back home in Essex everyone wonders what the fuss is about!
“Seriously though it’s a great accolade and one I’ll boast about in the pub till someone slaps some sense into me.”
Please visit the official Proper Games website for up-to-date information regarding the team’s current projects and studio blog.
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