BAFTA names winners of Young Game Designers 2014

BAFTA has announced the champions of this year’s Young Game Designers course. 

Rhianna Hawkins – 16 from Taunton, Somerset – won the Game Concept Award (the best written idea for a new game) with Tomatos Role. She is the first female winner of a BAFTA Young Game Designers award.

Meanhwhile, Adam Oliver – 15 from Warwick – won the Game Making Award for his prototype AlienX. 2014 was the third year Oliver made it to the final stages, having been shortlisted in the Top 10 for the 2010 and 2011 competitions.

In addition to their awards, both winners will receive a studio visit to Jagex, a selection of Warner Bros games, signed artwork from Criterion Games, and a PlayStation First Education starter kit for their schools. Their game will also be developed further at Dundee’s Abertay University.

"Rhianna and Adam are two very exciting new young game designers," said Harvey Elliott, chair of the BAFTA Games Committee. "Rhianna, our first ever female winner, bodes well for the future of our male-dominated industry, and Adam, who has received a top award at the third attempt, demonstrates the power of perseverance. It’s wonderful to be able to celebrate their achievements alongside all the other finalists at this special awards ceremony."