Gamers in Dumbarton got to test a new release before it hit the shelves - after a visit from a Vale born video game designer.
Erin Stevenson, who works for video game development firm Puny Astronaut, visited Bellsmyre Digital Community’s gaming club - giving youngsters the chance to try their hand at the company’s first release, Skye Tales, which is due to launch later this year.
Former Vale of Leven Academy pupil Erin, from Tullichewan, and colleagues took the time to explain more about their journey - from gaming enthusiasts to highly skilled programmers.
Erin said: “I’ve been lucky enough throughout my life that I’ve always had access to games and played countless throughout the years, but I never knew you could actually make them, they just seemed to appear.
“My grades in school leaned more towards the science side of things, so up until half-way through sixth year I was ready to become an engineer, but another girl from my class talked about applying to game art courses, particularly Abertay University, so I changed my entire state of mind and focused solely on game and digital art courses from then on.
“For too long it was seen as a boy’s hobby, but think about how many people play games on their phone now that it’s no different, and I’m relieved to see the views on that have changed so much.
“More than anything, it’s really good to see girls getting passionate about games.
“I think it’s important to know that, just like any industry, there are so many roles required to keep things working smoothly. No matter what you’re good at, there is space for you.”
Erin was invited to last Saturday’s event in Dumbarton by Bellsmyre Digital Community’s project manager Kathleen Smith, who hopes youngsters can be inspired by her story.
Kathleen told the Lennox: “It’s a great opportunity for the kids.
“Erin and her team are young and for people like them to be able to give a career talk to the kids is such a bonus.
“Erin is really passionate about young people getting opportunities through gaming. It’s something quite unique in the area.
“There are so many diverse roles in gaming. Erin is an artist and her role is character building.
“You can combine lots of different interests into one centre point in gaming.
“The kids got to see that with Erin and her team. It wouldn’t be the same coming from me as it is coming from Erin. She’s actually been there and done it.”
Skye Tales is designed to be a gentle puzzle game, offering relief from everyday stress - with Erin explaining that feedback so far has been positive.
The 28-year-old continued: “Our founders met while studying at Abertay University, with the stress of school they were looking for games that aren’t as demanding or stress-inducing, that’s where the idea for Skye Tales came from.
“An early version earned us a funding award at the 2016 Dare to be Digital student developer competition. We went on to receive investment from 4J Studios with the goal of producing an exceptional, accessible, welcoming game.
“You’ll find yourself gliding through rich, reactive playgrounds as Skye the friendly Dragon. You can explore the cosy valleys of Brinn, as you solve puzzles to help your fellow denizens, play with a rainbow of tactile toys and instruments, and make one or two fuzzy friends along the way.
“Our feedback so far has been amazing.
“It’s very important to take it anywhere, but especially important to put it in front of kids who already play games regularly, as they will be the harshest critics.”
And with gaming growing in popularity throughout age groups, Erin now believes the way its perceived by society has changed.
She added: “I think it’s being more widely accepted as being just another form of media; the same as films, tv and books.
“You frequently see studies that show how games can improve response times, problem solving skills and even memory, but I also think it’s important to know that it doesn’t count for all games. So parents should still be aware of what their kids are playing.”
