For the latest instalment of our TIGA Awards 2022 winners interview series, we spoke to Birmingham City University‘s Associate Professor, Director of Future Games and Graphics, Dr Carlo Harvey (pictured, right), about what it meant to pick up the Best Educational Institution 2022 award, the need to recognise excellence across the games industry, inspiring peers, advice for folks seeking a career in games and what we’ll all be talking about in 2026…
What did it mean to you/your company to win a TIGA Award?
Winning a TIGA Award was an incredible honour for our University, validating our hard work and dedication in Games Education and boosting our industry reputation. The recognition from TIGA elevated our brand, opening doors for collaboration and fostering growth opportunities.
Why is it important that excellence in game development/services/education is recognised via awards like this?
Awards like the TIGA Awards play a vital role in highlighting excellence in game development, motivating and inspiring developers while setting a standard for quality and innovation. They encourage the pursuit of excellence, foster healthy competition, and drive industry advancement.
Who are the people and companies in games and beyond who inspire you?
We draw inspiration from a wide range of people and companies in the games industry and beyond, including Jane McGonigal, whose premise that games hold the power to change the world resonates deeply with us. Her innovative approach to game design, promoting collaboration, problem-solving, and real-world engagement, serves as a reminder of the immense potential games have to make a positive difference in our lives.
What piece of advice would you give to graduates and undergraduates seeking a career in games?
For aspiring game developers, immerse yourself in the world of games by playing across genres, learning from successful ones. Seek opportunities to build games, collaborate with others, and continuously improve your skills while embracing passion, persistence, and adaptability in this ever-evolving industry.
Outside of winning a TIGA Award, what have been your greatest career achievements to date?
As the University for Birmingham, one of our greatest career achievements has been collaborating with The West Midlands Police Museum to secure a winning National Lottery Heritage Fund bid. By utilising game technologies, we aim to deliver accessible and immersive heritage experiences spanning two centuries, showcasing our commitment to leveraging gaming innovations for educational and cultural purposes while challenging conventional perceptions.
What do you value most about the work of industry associations like TIGA?
Industry associations like TIGA provide invaluable support, advocacy, and a platform for celebration and recognition in the games industry, promoting growth, sustainability, and favourable policies. Their collaborative nature fosters a sense of community, knowledge sharing, and collective progress, benefiting the entire ecosystem.
In 2026 we’ll all be talking about…?
In 2026, we anticipate discussions centred around the transformative impact of emerging technologies, such as large language models and generative artificial intelligence, on the gaming landscape. These advancements have the potential to revolutionise player experiences, enhancing immersion and unlocking new realms of creativity, leading to captivating gameplay mechanics, storytelling, and interactive design.
Birmingham City University‘s BSc (Hons) Computer Games Technology course focusses on the technical expertise required for undergraduates to develop careers computer games.
Don’t forget that nominations are now open for the TIGA Awards 2023 – Click here to enter! (Deadline August 7th).
In addition, tickets and tables are now on sale for the Awards. Click here to book yours now as they are limited!