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. The chosen Charity Partner for Game Republic’s 20th Anniversary year is SpecialEffect
Nick Streeter is well known in by games companies across Yorkshire and The North for his work with SpecialEffect. A charity that works hard to ensure everyone can enjoy games no matter what their abilities. Having been a fundraiser for most of his career he started work with SpecialEffect in 2007 after a serendipitous meeting in a pub. Now alongside founder Mick Donegan, Nick has supported the creation of incredible events that bring company teams together to play football, get racing in car rallies and even bake cakes. Over the last 16 years, his work has raised thousands and supported children in particular to play games and for the industry to consider how they can make games more accessible. SpecialEffect offer free dev kits and advice now to major publishers, transforming the games industry. His impact on the industry, ability to make connections and build relationships was a key reason why Nick has been chosen as one of our key influencers in the industry and the region. SpecialEffect was also chosen to be the Charity Partner for Game Republic’s 20th Anniversary – you can donate here
What has been a highlight in your career so far?
Getting our own shirt in FIFA in the kit launch at Wembley is right up there, our work in the Twin Town challenge and every year seeing the incredible ways that people choose to fundraise for our One Special Day initiative (in 2023 this is on 6th October but events will happen throughout the month). We have seen companies where staff where tuxedos all day, sponsored Mariaoke’s and more. Personally I would like to see your MD Jamie Sefton wear a Man United shirt for the day at one of the Game Republic events… Just a thought.
Be genuine, be passionate and ask questions. Even the most senior people are friendly and approachable, just ask them about their story and learn.
What would be your tips for getting started in the industry?
Be genuine, be passionate and ask questions. Even the most senior people are friendly and approachable, just ask them about their story and learn.
What makes Yorkshire and The North a good place for business and fundraising?
The UK is our lab, we work everywhere from the far North down to Cornwall. Here there is a genuine warmth and a well-established games sector with such friendliness, Fee Laming, Martyn Brown are just some of the people that have helped us do more here, they have been lovely and so generous spirited.
Game Republic provides a space for people to make friendships and establish new relationships and connections. It is a really nice combination of social networking and education that really works.
What is good about Game Republic?
Game Republic provides a space for people to make friendships and establish new relationships and connections. It is a really nice combination of social networking and education that really works. It is a really welcoming and passionate place. Game Republic events provide a great example of this where you might see a Managing Director of a large studio talking to a student. I think people here don’t forget that they all started somewhere.
What influence is SpecialEffect having on the industry?
We see increasing numbers of developers using our resources. We are regularly asked to do talks across the UK. We are working with studios and see more of our studios considering accessibility in their games which we are delighted to see.
What new projects do you have coming up?
We have runners in the Great North Run in October and One Special Day on October 6th too – there is as always lots going on and we hope games companies make the most of it as it is a good way to bring teams together and do something good and life-changing for someone else.
