ADAM Oliver is following in his dad’s game-playing footsteps – but is determined to make a name for himself.
The Warwick teenager has been shortlisted for a prestigious game design award, and has got big boots to fill with dad Andrew, and uncle Philip, being major players in the lucrative gaming industry, having run Blitz Games in Leamington for many years, and recently launched new game development firm Radiant Worlds.
But 15-year-old Adam is already proving he can hold his own when it comes to creating exciting original material. His solo project ‘AlienX’ is competing with seven other finalists for the 2014 BAFTA Young Game Designers Game Making Award.
In the game players ‘drag and drop’ an array of weapons to stop a horde of aliens from reaching the teleporter at the end of the level.
Judges have noted the depth of content in the game and the Warwick School pupil is pleased with how how it has been received so far.
He said: “In making AlienX, I did everything myself including design, programming, artwork, music, website and trailer. I refused any help from my dad, as I wanted it to be completely my own game.
“So far, several of my friends have downloaded it, all giving good comments and some helpful suggestions for future improvements which I will take into account.”
The game’s 20 levels take the player across four ‘solar systems’ before a showdown at the centre of the ‘galaxy’ with final boss ‘AlienX’.
Developed over several years, Adam created the original design aged just 10. It is currently available to download for free from its own dedicated website.
He added: “At the moment I am working on expanding the game to reach more platforms, particularly mobile devices, as well as fixing various bugs. If the game goes well, I may add more levels and features, or I might start on a new project.
“I think it has the potential to win the Game Making Award, but so do some of the other top eight entries, all of which I have looked at closely. There is certainly some tough competition.”
On Saturday (July 12) Adam will attend a ceremony at BAFTA’s London headquarters where he will found it if he has won the award.
Whatever the outcome, he plans to keep producing games and purse a career in computer-based entertainment.
Players must ‘drag and drop’ weapons to halt the alien advance. (s)
