The TIGA UK Games Education Awards 2024 have officially unveiled their shortlist, recognising the finest talent, educational institutions, and practices within the UK games industry. Organised by TIGA, the prominent trade association for the UK video games sector, these awards highlight exceptional students, innovative educators, and pioneering universities making a significant impact in video game education and training.
The winners across 12 categories will be revealed during a virtual ceremony later this autumn, culminating in the announcement of a special award.
Supporting excellence in games education
Dr Richard Wilson OBE, CEO of TIGA, expressed pride in the achievements of the shortlisted individuals and institutions:
“The TIGA Education Awards shortlist highlights leaders in games education: outstanding students, excellent providers, and good practice in education. Thank you to Creative Assembly, our headline sponsor, Sumo Group, our Gold Sponsor, and Lockwood Publishing, our Bronze Sponsor, for supporting excellence in skills and learning, and for making the TIGA UK Games Education Awards 2024 possible.”
Christina Haralambous, Group Director of Communications and Marketing at Sumo Group, echoed this sentiment:
“Sumo Group is pleased to continue our sponsorship of the TIGA Education Awards for 2024, celebrating the emerging talents in our industry and honouring those who inspire and educate them. Congratulations to all the finalists.”
Categories and shortlisted nominees
Graduate of the year: Artist
This category highlights the creative visionaries of the future. These students have demonstrated exceptional artistic skills, setting the bar for innovation in game design:
- Aidan Rodgers (University of Greenwich)
- Berenika Zemanek (Abertay University)
- Cath Lambert (University of Gloucestershire)
- Zachary Allen (University of Hertfordshire)
- Joseph Bardolf (Abertay University)
- Leonardo Scalia (Norwich University of the Arts)
- Maiying Tsang (Staffordshire University)
- August Chamberlain (Staffordshire University)
- Toby Brookes (Staffordshire University)
- Elliot Crompton (Staffordshire University)
Graduate of the year: Designer
Celebrating those who push the boundaries of game mechanics and player experience, this award recognises the industry’s up-and-coming design talent:
- Jinbo Guan (University of Greenwich)
- Milla Keski-Santii (Abertay University)
- Ian Pettersen (Norwich University of the Arts)
- Gemma Pipe-Wolferstan (University of Suffolk)
- Alfie Hilton (Bournemouth University)
- Kieran Cookesly (Staffordshire University)
- Natasha Taylor (Staffordshire University)
- Brad Campbell (Staffordshire University)
- Louis Presland (Staffordshire University)
- Harry Petch (Abertay University)
Graduate of the year: Programmer
Showcasing the technical minds behind tomorrow’s games, these nominees have excelled in coding, problem-solving, and game development technologies:
- Adam Hughes (Abertay University)
- Amy Elliot (University of Portsmouth)
- Benjamin Brennan (University of Greenwich)
- Brandon Roberts (Staffordshire University)
- Mia Kellet (University of Gloucestershire)
- Elvin Nicholson (University of the West of England)
- Jamie Buttenshaw (Abertay University)
- Ryan Purse (Bournemouth University)
- Matthew Stracey (Anglia Ruskin University)
- Eve Powell (Sheffield Hallam University)
Graduate of the year: Production/enterprise
This category honours students excelling in the organisational and business aspects of game development:
- Abigail Lane (University of Hertfordshire)
- Alec Elsegood (Bournemouth University)
- Alfie Wright (Norwich University of the Arts)
- Lorena Ibaseta (University of Greenwich)
- Kacper Wozniak (Bournemouth University)
- Gabe Stott (University of Portsmouth)
- Will Burt (Bournemouth University)
- Ryan Bolson (Bournemouth University)
- Ethan Kafke (Bournemouth University)
- Denisa Maximová (University of Portsmouth)
Graduate of the year: Computer games technology
Recognising students specialising in the technical challenges of game creation, this award celebrates those innovating through technology:
- Kieran De Sousa (University of the West of England)
- Matthew Mitchinson (University of Hertfordshire)
- Joshua Briggs (Sheffield Hallam University)
- Katie Murray (Brunel University)
- Harry Walters (Staffordshire University)
- George Humphreys (Staffordshire University)
- Amy Elliott (University of Portsmouth)
- Jao Codices (Birmingham City University)
- Daniel Hance (Bournemouth University)
- Nick Speedie (Bournemouth University)
Graduate of the year: Audio
Acknowledging the key role audio plays in gaming, this award celebrates the sound designers shaping the future soundscapes of video games:
- Joseph Galvin (University of Greenwich)
- Keir McNab (Abertay University)
- Jake Brodie (Abertay University)
- Jamie Russell (University of Portsmouth)
- Nicholas Webb (Birmingham City University)
- Matthew Wright (Norwich University of the Arts)
- Ryan Dunn (Sheffield Hallam University)
- Declan Shields (Staffordshire University)
Post-graduate of the year and institutional excellence
Post-graduate of the year
This category highlights the post-graduate students who are taking their research and skills to new heights:
- Alexander Tarvet (Abertay University)
- Sebastian Scaife (Birmingham City University)
- Eleanor Bygrave (University of Hertfordshire)
- Manjeeth Salian (University of Hertfordshire)
- Dom McCollum (Sheffield Hallam University)
- James Smith (Sheffield Hallam University)
- Brandon Turner (Staffordshire University)
- Amy Wozny (Staffordshire University)
Innovative teaching award
Institutions driving forward cutting-edge teaching methods and providing the most dynamic learning experiences are nominated for this category:
- Abertay University
- Birmingham City University
- University of Greenwich
- University of Hertfordshire
- University of Suffolk
- University of Portsmouth
- Sheffield Hallam University
- Staffordshire University
Excellence in University / College–industry collaboration
Universities recognised for their successful collaborations with the gaming industry, fostering career opportunities for students, are:
- Abertay University
- Birmingham City University
- Sheffield Hallam University
- Staffordshire University
- University of Greenwich
- University of Hertfordshire
- University of Portsmouth
Excellence in games research
These institutions are pushing the boundaries of academic research in gaming, exploring new technologies, methodologies, and innovations:
- Abertay University
- Anglia Ruskin University
- Birmingham City University
- London College of Communications, University of the Arts
- Sheffield Hallam University
- Staffordshire University
- University of Greenwich
- University of Hertfordshire
- University of Portsmouth
Diversity and student game categories
Diversity award
Institutions committed to creating an inclusive environment and promoting diversity within the gaming community have been recognised for their efforts:
- London College of Communication, University of the Arts
- Staffordshire University
- University of Greenwich
- University of Portsmouth
Best student game
Recognising the next generation of game developers, these student games have demonstrated creativity, technical prowess, and engaging gameplay:
- Abertay University: Left Upon Read
- Bournemouth University: Factory Reset
- City University of London: Emotion Escapade
- London Metropolitan University: Holloway
- Norwich University of the Arts: Rider City Rush
- Staffordshire University: Midnight Taxi
- University of Gloucestershire: Phantom Paws
- University of Greenwich: So You’re Tellin’ Me?
- University of Northampton: Shattered Sun
- University of the West of England: Project Zip Zap
- University of the West of Scotland: V-Art
- University of Hertfordshire: Hellion’s Curse
- University of Portsmouth: Curation
Sponsors and charity partners
The awards are supported by a number of key sponsors. Creative Assembly, best known for the Total War series, is the Headline Sponsor, while Sumo Group serves as the Gold Sponsor. Lockwood Publishing, the developers behind Avakin Life, is the Bronze Sponsor.
TIGA has also partnered with The Passage, a charity dedicated to combating street homelessness. Founded in 1980, The Passage provides essential services, including employment support, housing assistance, and health outreach.
With the awards ceremony set for later this autumn, all eyes are now on the finalists and the educational institutions shaping the future of the UK gaming industry.
