Adam Oliver was this year’s Young Game Designers Game Making Award Winner, for his game AlienX.
As part of his YGD prize package, 15 year-old Adam was not only given a whole heap of gaming goodies but was also granted access to the experts at the University of Abertay, Dundee, who would help develop AlienX into a playable game fit for an App store. We caught up with Adam to see how he was getting on…
Let’s start from the beginning! Why did you enter BAFTA Young Game Designers?
I entered BAFTA Young Game Designers because I was already working on my game, AlienX, and had been working on it for about 3 months. I then realised that it might be worthy for the competition, so I continued to work even harder on it and eventually submitted it.
How did you come up with the idea for AlienX?
I have entered BAFTA Young Game Designers twice before, in 2011 and 2012, with game concepts. My first concept was called “Alien Assault” and this was the basis for AlienX - I changed the name because research showed that “Alien Assault” was already taken. I had the idea of “bringing my old concept to life” as an actual game about 6 months ago, which is when I started to make it.
What was the best thing about the competition?
Obviously, the best thing about the competition was winning, because it showed that all my hard work had paid off. But making the game itself was also a lot of fun, partly because I could see how my idea from back in 2011 was actually becoming a real game, and also because I could play it and even get my friends to play it.
And what was the hardest thing about the competition?
The hardest thing about making the game was programming the aliens to move correctly through the environment, as there are several different ways they can move and lots of different objects that affect them.
How did it feel to be announced the Game Making Award Winner at the Awards ceremony at BAFTA HQ in London?
The build-up to the announcement was very nerve-racking, and, having seen how good the other entries were, I didn’t expect to win, so it was quite surprising when I was announced as the winner. It was also an amazing feeling- to know that, at only 15, I had won an award from BAFTA. I was very excited and I’m sure I’ll be proud of winning it for the rest of my life.
What's your advice to anyone thinking of entering YGD?
Firstly, before you even start on your actual game, make a few little experiment programs. These will get you used to working with your software and you’ll quickly learn some useful tricks. Then, it’s important to start with an idea you’re really going to enjoy creating- there’s no point working on something that you don’t enjoy. However, be realistic with your ideas, making sure you stretch your abilities but don’t try and achieve too much. You also need to imagine that the game will be fun for you and others to play. If you want to win the competition, you will need to put in a lot of time and work to make your game. If you are stuck with the programming, look online for help- there’s a YouTube tutorial or a webpage for almost every problem you could encounter. Finally, take time on every part of the game- bad graphics or bad music could ruin a game that is strong in all other areas, so make sure everything about it is as good as you can make it.
What’s next for you?
Further development of AlienX at Abertay University is the next step, but I am also starting work on a new game, a strategy-battle game, which I’ll hopefully release on multiple platforms. However, this is my GCSE year, so I might struggle making it with all the other work I have.
Think YOU have what it takes to be a YGD winner?
