A young gamer from Devon is one of just 50 children to make it through to a competition run by the British Academy Film Awards (BAFTA). Arthur, 13, from Exmouth, impressed judges of the Young Game Designers Competition with his creative take on ghost hunting.
Dubbed Linger, the game has an emphasis on “social links” and “interaction”, Arthur told the BBC. He added: “I have lots of ideas going round my mind at night.”
Arthur, who said his love of gaming began in primary school, said he hopes to “go into marketing” when he is older. Describing his game, he said: “You're part of this group in this fictional city, ghosts have started popping up.”
Arthur's mum Bernadette, meanwhile, said she was “incredibly proud” of her son's achievement.
“When we got the email announcing he was a finalist we were absolutely blown away,” she said.
She said his creativity was “definitely something for him in the future career-wise”. BAFTA said finalists were aged between 12 and 18, with a winners ceremony to be streamed live on its YouTube channel on 27 June.
The winning games will be displayed at the Science Museum’s Power Up experience.
Tim Hunter, BAFTA executive director, learning, inclusion, policy & membership, said: “It's great to be back celebrating an amazingly talented group of young people who are creating extraordinary games with thoughtful narratives.
“It’s a real privilege to help provide a springboard for their talents to be recognised by the games industry.”
