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.
Simon Barratt has provided insights and innovations in the games industry for over two decades. His work with Ukie provided representation for small studios across the country, and Simon was one of the attendees at the first ever Game Republic event when he was founder of Four Door Lemon. As well as running Cooperative Innovations with many hats (Senior Coder / Designer / Creative Director Bizdev / Development Director – depending on the project!), Simon is at the forefront in developing games and techs on various platforms and genres, creating VR/AR tech for gaming and non-gaming uses. Recently his work has focused on KERNL platform and Curatours app, aiming to democratise virtual world creation. In-between projects and after hours, Simon attends industry events and raises funds for SpecialEffect – his birthday party at Develop has raised over £50k for the charity.
What is great about working in the games industry?
The gaming industry represents the pinnacle of multidisciplinary fusion, encompassing a vast array of skills and disciplines. This means there’s always an engaging problem to solve, an opportunity to innovate, and a pathway to surpass the existing norms. My personal drive to push boundaries, regardless of the project, finds a home here.
The industry is in a state of perpetual evolution with both hardware and software techniques consistently advancing. This constant innovation provides a never-ending source of novel approaches and perspectives. Even after almost 25 years in the industry, I still find myself learning from new research papers, dissecting mechanics, and rendering techniques from other games. It’s a field that never ceases to inspire and stimulate the mind.
Broaden your horizons by playing a wide range of games, or at the very least, watch videos of them being played. Don’t limit your learning to a specific genre or type.
What words of advice do you have for people starting out in the games sector?
Stay curious and continually strive for learning; the industry is always evolving, and keeping abreast of the latest developments is key to staying relevant.
Network diligently within the industry; relationships can often lead to unexpected and rewarding opportunities.
Be resilient; the gaming industry is competitive and can be challenging, but persistence often reaps rewards.
Broaden your horizons by playing a wide range of games, or at the very least, watch videos of them being played. Don’t limit your learning to a specific genre or type.
Seek inspiration from other sectors; explore design, user experience, and techniques used outside of gaming. This can provide a fresh perspective and innovative ideas that can be applied in the games sector.
What work have you been doing in the region to support the games industry?
Over the years, we’ve organised four Get Into Gaming events, aiming to encourage more people to join the industry. Through our work with UKIE and local initiatives like these, we’ve consistently advocated for increased inclusivity within the industry.
I’ve had the opportunity to contribute to the creation of the University of Leeds High Performance Graphics and Games Engineering Masters course. I’ve even taught a module as cover, an experience I never thought I’d have but found tremendously rewarding.
On the policy side, I’ve advised the government on a range of topics, including online safety, VR/AR, and AI, often with a specific focus on supporting our regional industry.
I’ve been involved in accrediting game development courses at universities across the UK, using that experience to provide input to the Leeds City Region LEP and in work I’ve done with the University of York and Leeds. This activity helps shape the educational landscape of game development, nurturing talent within the region.
All these actions have a cumulative impact of building a stronger games industry within our region, fostering talent, and influencing policy.
We’ve also made a point of attending local events, both specifically related to games and more broadly within the technology sector, as well as careers fairs. This allows us to showcase our work to a diverse audience, spreading awareness and interest in what we do.
What has been a highlight of your career / work so far for the industry?
Building two exceptional teams at Four Door Lemon and Cooperative Innovations has been a career highlight. Witnessing the remarkable work they’ve created and the successful careers they’ve gone on to have is immensely gratifying.
Serving on the UKIE video game trade association board for over 7 years, representing smaller studios, the region, and the VR/AR space has been a significant part of my career journey.
Helping to shape the future of the industry by advising the government, accrediting and supporting the creation of university courses is something I take great pride in.
Promoting the work and impact of SpecialEffect has been something that I’ve been doing for approximately 13 years and I’m proud that my ‘birthday’ party at Develop has been able to raise almost £50k for the charity as well as a few other silly activities (like trying to run a half marathon!)
In terms of games, there are many moments that stand out. Our work on Joe Danger Vita, the wide-reaching sales of Puzzler Collection, and the unique experience of creating a game that blind people could enjoy with Aurifi are memorable milestones.
Currently, the development and the anticipation of the upcoming launch of our KERNL platform is a major highlight. This platform, which forms the basis of our Curatours virtual museum app, allows anyone to build a virtual world for any purpose, on any device.
In addition to pioneering VR/AR tech, our work is also demonstrating the potential applications of these technologies beyond gaming – in fields like education, tourism, and healthcare. We’re helping to redefine the perception of gaming technologies as purely recreational tools, showcasing them as powerful platforms for immersive experiences across sectors.
What influence do you think Cooperative Innovations and other similar types of company can do for the industry?
We’re pioneering VR/AR tech, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in games and charting new territories for the industry to explore.
As a company, we strive to operate ethically – avoiding crunch, promoting the growth of our developers, hiring juniors and people from outside of the industry, and prioritizing a good work/life balance. We aim to be a supportive company when life challenges emerge.
We’re helping to shape the education and training of future game developers, and influencing policy and standards for the industry.
In addition to pioneering VR/AR tech, our work is also demonstrating the potential applications of these technologies beyond gaming – in fields like education, tourism, and healthcare. We’re helping to redefine the perception of gaming technologies as purely recreational tools, showcasing them as powerful platforms for immersive experiences across sectors.
What do you think of the role of Game Republic?
I was fortunate enough to attend one of the very first Game Republic meetings, which happened to be right across the road from where we started Four Door Lemon in Bradford. Witnessing the ongoing impact it has on the growth and perception of the region is truly inspiring. Under Jamie’s leadership, things have accelerated even further. We now have a wonderful membership, fantastic events, and both national and international respect for the companies here.
Why is Yorkshire and The North a good place to do business?
The region boasts a strong local talent pool from universities and a growing games industry. Yorkshire is home to several high-ranking universities that offer specialised courses in game design and development, nurturing a new generation of talent right in our backyard.
We’re part of a thriving tech scene that encourages innovation and collaboration, making it an exciting place for business. From tech meetups to industry conferences, Yorkshire offers plenty of opportunities for networking and collaboration.
Yorkshire’s competitive cost of living and vibrant culture also make it an attractive place for professionals in the industry. It combines the amenities and cultural richness of a larger city with the charm and affordability of a smaller town, making it a great place to live and work.
The region’s rich history in game development, having been the birthplace of many iconic games and game development studios, also adds a certain prestige and legacy to working in Yorkshire’s gaming industry.
The region’s geographical location and transport links also make it a strategic location for doing business. With easy access to major UK cities and international connections, Yorkshire is conveniently positioned for both national and international collaboration and commerce.
What projects have you got coming up?
Attending games conferences such as Develop, Gamescom, Insomnia, Unreal Fest, and Slush has been a favorite aspect of my role over the years. These events provide a platform to catch up with friends, stay updated on industry trends, and share what we’re doing as a company.
On a broader scale, the recent additional funding from the government for the UK Games Fund is a positive development for larger teams like ours. It allows us to build games outside of mainstream genres and audiences, and it’s a development we’re very excited about.
As part of our ongoing commitment to inclusivity and diversity in the gaming industry, we’re also working on initiatives aimed at promoting representation in games. We believe that games should be a medium that celebrates diverse experiences and perspectives, and we’re actively working towards this vision.
