For the latest instalment of our TIGA Awards 2022 winners interview series, we spoke to the BBC’s Jola Lloyd-Wood (pictured, right) about what it meant to pick up the Best Educational, Serious or Simulation Game award (for Horrible Histories: Raid and Trade), 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?
The project team on this game were so passionate about creating a game that balanced entertainment and education in equal measure, so it was really exciting to be recognised by TIGA for this.
Why is it important that excellence in game development/services/education is recognised via awards like this?
There isn’t always such a spotlight on non-AAA games, but there is some really amazing work being done on this slightly smaller stage, so it’s just as important to celebrate excellence in this space too.
Who are the people and companies in games and beyond who inspire you?
People and companies who are championing and investing in accessible gaming for me are the real heroes.
What piece of advice would you give to graduates and under-graduates seeking a career in games?
Find what you are good at and become great at it, then find and surround yourself with other people who are great at other stuff. It’s OK to do one thing really well and work with others to fill the gaps that you can’t.
Outside of winning a TIGA Award, what have been your greatest career achievements to date?
In an ever changing digital landscape, and at a time when budgets are being squeezed, overseeing an amazing team who are not afraid to look at things differently, think outside of the box, see the opportunities in the restrictions and continue to deliver amazing games for kids is a real highlight for me.
What do you value most about the work of industry associations like TIGA?
There is so much potential in the UK games dev industry, and the work TIGA does to nurture and help UK studios is really important.
In 2026 we’ll all be talking about…?
“Remember all that stuff we used to have to do manually that AI is doing for us now! Look at all this cool stuff it has freed us up to do! Look what we can do more of, do faster and do better.” And probably still… the Metaverse.
Don’t forget that nominations are now open for the TIGA Awards 2023 – Click here to enter! (Deadline July 31st).
In addition, tickets and tables are now on sale for the Awards. Click here to book yours now as they are limited!