Teen’s computer game idea is nominated for BAFTA

A creative teenager walked the red carpet at a London awards ceremony after her computer game design got through to the finals of a nationwide competition.
Holly Packer, 13, at the BAFTA Young Game Designer awardHolly Packer, 13, at the BAFTA Young Game Designer award
Holly Packer, 13, at the BAFTA Young Game Designer award

Holly Packer, 13, came up with her game, Terrain Invasion, after she and her fellow pupils at Ashlyns School in Berkhamsted were told about the competition in their ICT lessons.

The youngster – who lives in Potten End with dad Gavin, mum Samantha and younger brother Scott – was up against 39 other hopefuls from across the country who were selected by a panel of industry experts.

But even though she failed to scoop top prize she still had a whale of a time.

She said: “I’m amazed that my idea got to the final. I had the best four hours of my life at the awards ceremony.”

The teen, who is a fan of block-building video game Minecraft, says her idea features main characters Cindy and Fraser, who find themselves trapped in an unknown world and need to explore the area to find a way out.

Mum Samantha said: “We’re really proud of her because she’s so young, andshe came up with the illustrations and graphics all on her own.

“She’s taken to ICT like a duck to water. I think the software they use is a way of teaching children code.”

The competition, in association with Nominet Trust, aims to inspire the game designers and game-makers of the future by giving young people the chance to design and create their own game and develop it with industry professionals.

The initiative, now in its fifth year, presents awards in two main categories, the Game Concept Award, for entrants who submit a written idea for a new game and the Game Making Award, for entrants who submit a game they have made using computer software.

The winners of both strands, in both the 10-14 and 15-18 age ranges, will further develop their game with industry professionals.

The competition aims to give young people and educators unique insights into the games industry and access to the creative minds behind some of their favourite games.

Visit www.bafta.org/ygd

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