Celebrating Success: Scottish Games Awards
Update from Will Millership and Ellen Grieve.
Last night we had a great evening celebrating the successes of the Scottish Games industry at the Scottish Games Awards. Speech Graphics was a proud sponsor of the award ceremony which not only celebrated the achievements of the past year but also offered a glimpse into the future of gaming in Scotland.
Connections through gaming
Jamie Hepburn, MSP, opened the ceremony by acknowledging Scotland’s “pioneering role in the games industry,” and emphasizing the Scottish Government’s commitment to the growing sector. He described games as “bridges to other worlds and more importantly to other people.” Steven Mair of the Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity then took the stage to tell us about their inspiring “Games for the Weans” project bringing the power of gaming to children in hospital. You can find out more and donate to this wonderful initiative here.
Inspiring Diversity
Brian Baglow and his team did a great job organizing the event and he emphasized the importance of needing “diverse teams to make diverse games.” The awards highlighted the thriving Scottish Games ecosystem and the remarkable diversity of individuals who contribute to its success.
Sierra Leishman of Hyper Luminal Games won the Diversity Champion award and gave a particularly moving speech on her work aiming to bring more women into decision-making roles in the industry. Furthermore, it was great to see an all-female nomination list for the Rising Star award which was taken home by Rach Macpherson of Neon Hive.
Will Millership, Senior Communications and Marketing Manager at Speech Graphics, had the honor of handing out the Tools and Technology award which was taken home by GameMaker.
Overall, there were 15 awards (winners listed below) including three new awards this year: the Rising Star, Spirit of Scotland, and Pure Quality awards. It was great to see some of the indy games getting recognition and the educational institutes teaching gaming in Scotland. Well done to all of the winners and we look forward to next year!
Winners
Art and Animation – Skye Tales – Puny Astronaut
Audio – Eschaton – Jabuga
Best Small-Budget Game – The Longest Walk – Alexander Tarvet
Best Large-Budget Game – Agatha Christie: Hercule Poirot – The London Case – Blazing Griffin
Creativity – Marion’s Journey – Chimera Tales
Technical Achievement – Viewfinder – Matt Stark
Spirit Of Scotland – Skye Tales – Puny Astronaut
Pure Quality – BLINNK and the Vacuum of Space – Changing Day
Best Educational Programme – Online Diploma Programme (Game Design) – Robert Gordon College
Best Educator – Dr Thomas Hainey – University of the West of Scotland
Diversity Champion – Searra Leishman – Hyper Luminal Games
Lifetime Achievement – Mike Dailly
Community Spirit Award (Stewart Gilray) – Luci Holland
Tools and Technology – GameMaker
Rising Star – Rach Macpherson – Neon Hive
