A Childhood Passion Turns into a Business
A childhood love of dinosaurs and a lockdown idea led Jordan Bradley to develop what she hopes will be a hit video game. “Dinosaurs have been an absolute obsession of mine ever since I was a small child,” she told BBC News NI. “Everybody found dinosaurs interesting at one point, that’s something I never really grew out of.”
Amber Isle, from Belfast’s Ambertail Games, a company Ms. Bradley originally set up in her flat in 2020, has just been released. “Amber Isle is a shop-keeping and life simulation game,” she said. “You run a shop, you go about your life, you gather resources, craft items. The catch is you play as a dinosaur in a world of friendly dinosaurs.”
The Creation of Amber Isle
The development of Amber Isle has created 10 full-time jobs and 30 other contracted ones, with about £1.2m in investment. One of the UK’s biggest video game companies, Team17, has also come on board with it. Overall, the UK’s video game industry employs around 76,000 people and contributes an estimated £6bn annually to the UK economy. The video game industry in Northern Ireland is also larger than many might think.
Investment and Growth
According to NI Screen, around 40 gaming companies are currently active in Northern Ireland. Ambertail Games, established during the 2020 lockdown by Jordan Bradley and co-founder Noel Watters, is one of these companies. “The studio started in the spare bedroom of my flat, and we all needed something lovely, quaint, and non-urgent during the lockdown,” Ms. Bradley explained. She came up with Amber Isle, and together with Noel, started a company to produce it. Despite not having any prior business experience, they decided to take a shot.
Northern Ireland’s Expanding Gaming Sector
It is companies like Jordan’s that are contributing to the growth of the gaming industry in Northern Ireland. Kerry Michelle O’Brien from NI Screen stated that there are now more careers available for young people in this industry. “It’s more than just a viable option,” said Kerry. “We encourage companies to take a chance on new talent through events like Play My Demo, which is held bi-monthly. The talent is here; we’re great storytellers, so let’s keep that talent here.”
Supporting Local Talent
The video game industry is offering numerous career opportunities for young people. Belfast Met, for example, offers gaming courses, including foundation degrees in game art and design and Esports. Tutor Michael Smyth has noticed more opportunities for students. “All of the students have secured a placement within the island of Ireland, working with games companies and production companies,” he said. “Many students have gone on to work within the industry, doing things like commentary, game design, or freelance work while completing their qualifications.”
Educational Opportunities for Aspiring Game Developers
Belfast Met’s courses are providing a solid foundation for those looking to enter the gaming world. The growing number of opportunities within Northern Ireland means that students can gain experience without needing to leave the region. This helps build a strong local industry, contributing to the overall growth of the video game sector.
The Rise of Esports in Northern Ireland
Esports is also gaining prominence on the global stage, especially after being recognized by the International Olympics Committee. Belfast Met student Adam Dzida has his sights set on a career as a professional Esports gamer. Hundreds of players recently competed in the Esports world cup, held in Saudi Arabia. “As soon as I saw the Esports scene, I wanted to get into it and get onto the big stage,” Adam said. “I see it getting bigger and bigger over time. From professional play, you can gain fans, stream games online, and maintain an income that way.”
Belfast Met Student Aspires for the Big Stage
The growth of Esports has created a new avenue for young people in Northern Ireland. Adam’s ambition is a testament to the opportunities that are now available for those with a passion for gaming. The industry continues to expand, and with it, more young people are finding ways to turn their love for gaming into a career.
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