This profile forms part of a series of interviews produced as part of Game Republic’s 20th Anniversary celebrations supported by our Official Partners Barclays, Escape Technology and Red Kite Games.
Adam Clewes-Boyne is co-founder of BetaJester – a work for hire and indie dev studio, which he founded when he was a student. As a former student, he works hard to bring opportunities to people studying in the region providing placements and internships with Universities across the region. Adam also runs Game Dev London – a community and podcast centred on game development and design and recently founded Playing Attention – a community dedicated to supporting and raising awareness of ADHD in the UK Games Industry.
What is great about working in the games industry?
The games industry is one of the few, if not the only, place(s) where art and science collide so completely that anyone of any ability in either field can contribute and make a difference. Only in a game would you find a programmers pulling together code and systems and artists painting beautiful images coming together to create an emotional and meaningful experience that could resonate with people all over the world. The games industry supports all of these diverse and wide-ranging careers, making the industry a very accommodating and supportive environment with all the opportunities afforded in industries of comparable commercial size!
What words of advice do you have for people starting out in the games sector?
The games industry trades in knowledge and experience more than anything else. Ask questions, learn from your peers as well as your managers, make the simplest version and ask for feedback. Everyone wants you to succeed, so give them the opportunity to help you by making your work as visible and informed as possible.
At BetaJester, as a team that we formed when we were students, we recognise the value of placements and the true capabilities of graduates.
What work have you been doing in the region to support the games industry?
At BetaJester, as a team that we formed when we were students, we recognise the value of placements and the true capabilities of graduates. We have been working with local charities and universities for over 6 years to offer placements and internships, with some of these evolving into jobs and careers.
As Game Dev London, I co-created a community to support people of all ages and skill levels stay connected and educated during these remote and distant times, as well as a podcast to bring experts and advice to devices across the UK.
As Playing Attention, I founded the UK’s only community dedicated to raising awareness around ADHD and Neurodiversity in the UK games industry. ADHD individuals can been and often are a major benefit to game development, but often accommodations and understanding are vital for creating a safe and supportive environment. Through community and resources, I’m striving to make sure all individuals are more aware and more prepared to help accommodate ADHD in their workplace.
What has been a highlight of your career so far for the industry?
Earlier this year, I saw my first senior credit on a title which launched to rave reviews across the board. I worked bringing intuitive controller support to the game Wildfrost, and I’ve been lucky enough to see this work called out in reviews, with Screen Rant writing that “Wildfrost’s UI/UX also deserves special mention, translating perfectly to controller – the bulk of the game was played on the Steam Deck, with flawless performance throughout – and its simplicity and sensibility meant that flubbed moves were rare [and] small touches like these elevate Wildfrost into the upper tiers of the genre”.
Through community and resources, I’m striving to make sure all individuals are more aware and more prepared to help accommodate ADHD in their workplace.
What influence do you think your company and similar companies can have are on the region?
Yorkshire is a shining example not only of the games industry in general, but an example of the ideal talent pipeline working at all stages. Numerous celebrated universities in the region work with the industry to produce talented and capable graduates who have the capacity to form new studios, with the advice and support of regional studios, or joining one of the many companies in the area, which comes in all sizes and making games of all types.
What do you think of the role of Game Republic?
Game Republic has been instrumental in the support and development of the Yorkshire games industry. By connecting studios and developers, where other regions have been more insular and disconnected, Yorkshire is likely the most open and connected region of the games industry in the UK. It has encouraged and guided new studios, as well as supported and promoted long-standing companies.
Why is the region a good place to do business?
Yorkshire has the benefit of being both an open and friendly region as well as a more cost-effective part of the UK. There is a lot of effort put into promoting and providing for all industries, especially creative ones like video games. Additionally the education ecosystem, with several highly celebrated universities and colleges, provides ample opportunities to both engage with and support the next generation of developers.
What projects are coming up?
Our last year was our most successful financial year and since Jan 22 we have tripled in size! We have several exciting projects on the go, including funding from the UK Games Fund on an exciting new internal project. We’re really excited for the next few years to see our studio continue to grow and develop alongside the region.
