19 June 2023
Young Game Designers is an initiative by BAFTA that inspires and supports young people to create, develop and present their new game idea to the world.
We are delighted to announce two Chorlton High students – Rosie and Owen Year 9, have been selected as Game Concept Award finalists for their game - ‘Enlightenment: The Misadventures of Marcus Durrum’, a third person action adventure set in a steampunk world mixing exploration with action and puzzles. Players journey through ruins and towns to retrieve the ancient weapons to save their hometown, helped by Arriety Star, Marcus’s sister and pursued by an eldritch god dubbed "The Enlightenment" and its fanatical followers.
This wonderful achievement was made in addition to their studies with both students finding inspiration within subjects and classes at Chorlton High. Working on the concept since Year 7, the award provided a focus for Rosie and Owen to draw together their influences and ideas, with both keen to create an immersive experience. Drawing inspiration from the steampunk action-adventure series – ‘Arcane’ and combing it with the beauty and wonder of Studio Ghibli (Anime studio), Rosie creates characters, locations and worlds in response to Owen’s storylines and games systems. With History (British Empire, French Revolution, and aristocracy) and Science providing a real-world basis for their concepts, alongside the Chorlton High library (and teacher recommendations, in particular Terry Pratchett) providing access to endless creativity and ideas.
Huge congratulations to both students, they will receive a bundle of games goodies from YGD partners; a series of exclusive masterclasses; digital mentorship (if aged 13+) and careers advice from industry experts and the opportunity to attend a special showcase event at BAFTA’s HQ in London.
