In the lead-up to the TIGA Games Industry Awards 2024, we revisit last year’s winners. We chat with John Sanderson (pictured), CEO of PitStop Productions the winning company behind the Best Audio Services Supplier. We’ll hear what winning meant to them and get advice for this year’s entrants…
How has winning a TIGA Award impacted your project/company since last year?
We were not expecting to win an award and therefore it took us by surprise, a surprise that was very much appreciated I should add. As a result of that win many of our existing clients have reached out to congratulate us creating opportunities for discussions. Inevitably this exposure also widens our profile and reputation to existing and new clients.
What pearls of wisdom would you share with this year’s nominees based on your TIGA Awards experience?
Go to the event and above all enjoy the evening, ensure you mingle and celebrate and when you don’t win be sure you congratulate the winners.
What exciting trends or developments have you observed in the games industry since your win?
I think it’s fair to say the games industry has suffered some notable changes in the past eight months. To see colleagues and friends losing jobs has not been easy but maybe, on reflection, it was inevitable. Saying all that, I do believe we can now see the industry recovering and restructuring itself and this can only be a good thing for the future.
What advice would you give to aspiring developers starting their careers?
I’m not sure I’m best qualified to give that advice but what I can say is the most successful and enjoyable games we have had the privilege to work on all share the same thing in common which is a team, no matter what size, that totally believes in the game they are making. On that basis my advice would be to make the best possible game you can and stand by it.
In your opinion, how can industry associations like TIGA continue to support and elevate the video game development community?
I genuinely believe that all the organisations that we work with are doing the best they possibly can to promote and celebrate the success the Games industry is achieving. TIGA’s tireless attempts to influence government policy are to be admired and I have no doubt that the arguments being made are highly persuasive for future governments to take on board and react to. I feel it is most important for the industry that we do our best to support them in their actions going forward.
About The TIGA Awards
The TIGA Games Industry Awards 2024 will take place on Thursday November 28th at Shoreditch Town Hall, London.
Nominations are open now, until August 2nd, and there are categories suitable for all to enter. Find out more here.
The TIGA Games Industry Awards are made possible, thanks to the support of our sponsors. They include Toikido (After Show Party); Sumo Group, Supermassive Games and Ubisoft (Gold Sponsors); Abertay University and Staffordshire University (Silver Sponsors); Birmingham City University, Bournemouth University, Eaton Smith, Kwalee, Outplay Entertainment, Playground Games, Space Ape Games, Stevens & Bolton, Testronic and Universally Speaking (Bronze Sponsors).
SpecialEffect has once again been chosen as the Charity Partner for the TIGA Awards. This inspirational organisation transforms the lives of physically disabled people right across the world through the innovative use of technology.
A limited number of sponsorship opportunities are available. To find out more email Suzi Stephenson via suzi@tiga.org.