UoG graduate wins UK video games industry award

University of Gloucestershire graduate James Gratrix has won a highly prestigious annual award from the trade association representing the UK’s video games industry.

A Games Programming graduate, James has been named the Outstanding TIGA Graduate Programmer at the TIGA UK Games Education Awards 2021, which recognise outstanding students, education providers and best practice.

In August, James was named a TIGA Graduate of the Year: Programmer, while another University graduate, Ibrahim Nouri (Creative Computing Games Design), won a TIGA Graduate of the Year: Designer award.

Graduating Games Design students Alexander Day, Emma Goss, Kai Ismay and Toby Monks were shortlisted for the Tiga Creative Assembly Best Student Games 2021 award for their final-year game development project Downhill Jam, a hoverboarding time trial stunt game.

James, founder and director of Raw Orange Studios Limited, said: “I was truly surprised and very pleased when I found out about winning the award. It means so much to me that I was fortunate to be recognised by TIGA and to be acknowledged for all the work and effort that I’ve put in over the past few years.

“To be recognised by the gaming industry in such a way inspires me to push further and gives me confidence in my abilities as a game developer.

“My future aim is to further grow the company that I have been able to co-found during my time in university, and to continue to develop more game titles.

“The University of Gloucestershire has helped me grow and learn a multitude of new skills and I hope the recognition will help to inspire future students of the course.

“I also want to say a huge thank you to all the course lecturers for helping me to achieve my goals throughout my time at the university and congratulations to the other finalists.”

Jamie Stewart, Academic Course Leader in Games Programming at the University, added:
“A huge congratulations to all of our graduating students for being shortlisted for these awards. It’s great to see their hard work recognized by TIGA. It’s fantastic to see James win such an amazing award.

“Winning the Outstanding TIGA Graduate Programmer award highlights James’ continuing hard work and natural aptitude for games programming and development.

“Well done also to Ibrahim, Alexander, Emma, Kai and Toby for being shortlisted in their respective categories in the face of some very tough competition.

“They’ve all done themselves proud and we look forward to seeing their names, along with many of our other graduates, among the credits of many successful games in the future.”