For the latest instalment of our TIGA Awards 2022 winners interview series, we spoke to Rebellion Game Designer Stefano De Petris (pictured, right) about what it meant to pick up the Best Large Studio 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?
I believe it was very validating for my team at Rebellion to be honoured for our achievements. Additionally, the TIGA Awards and other industry awards inspire companies like ours to maintain high standards and continuously aim for the stars.
For me, being the winners felt like a recognition of our ambitious and consistent work, maintaining Rebellion’s standards and pushing the envelope of game development.
Why is it important that excellence in game development/services/education is recognised via awards like this?
It is important because it helps create a reference and inspires game developers in the making.
Who are the people and companies in games and beyond who inspire you?
I am inspired by the many great team leads of the industry that manage to motivate and challenge their teams while creating an ambitious and consistent creative direction for the projects.
Additionally, I take a lot of inspiration from risk-taking indie developers who manage to bring innovation to the industry’s projects and procedures with their limited resources.
What piece of advice would you give to graduates and under-graduates seeking a career in games?
I would suggest never to stop creating and showing off your work (e.g. Game Jams, Conventions, and meet-ups). I would also advise to keep track of the industry’s trends and what your favourite developers are doing. And lastly, never give up!
Outside of winning a TIGA Award, what have been your greatest career achievements to date?
Having come a long way from Venezuela with no entry points to the industry in reach, my greatest professional achievement is not only contributing to it now, but thriving in it. Today, I push the quality standards of the industry through the work I do, I try to empower others like me who want to enter the industry, and I continue to find ways to improve my craft.
What do you value most about the work of industry associations like TIGA?
Industry associations like TIGA serve as a point of recognition for the work of developers that has more emotional weight than the financial success of a game.
In 2026 we’ll all be talking about…?
We will be talking about the impact of games as an empowering and welcoming space for all humans. I believe that accessibility features, equal access to the joy of gaming regardless of one’s economic background, and representation of the diverse gaming community will be some of the most impactful factors in reaching the gaming industry’s full potential.
Rebellion is one of the world’s most successful independent video games studios.
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!